JP2019166107A - Radiographic system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a radiographic system having a radiation irradiation device for generating a radiation ray, and a radiographic device for generating image data of a radiation image based on the received radiation ray, which is capable of taking appropriate measures before deviation in operation of the radiation irradiation device and the radiographic device becomes large enough to adversely affect diagnosis.SOLUTION: A radiographic system includes: a radiation irradiation device; first time measuring means for measuring time interlocking with the radiation irradiation device; a radiographic device; second time measuring means for measuring time interlocking with the radiographic device; acquisition means for acquiring a measured time value by the first time measuring means at a predetermined time point and a measured time value by the second time measuring means at the predetermined time point as first measured time information and second measured time information; determination means for determining whether or not a specific condition is established on the basis of the acquired first measured time information and second measured time information; and output means for executing specific output when it is determined that the specific condition is established.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiation imaging system.

Conventionally, in radiographic imaging using a radiographic system including a radiation irradiating apparatus that generates radiation and a radiographic apparatus that generates image data of a radiographic image based on the received radiation, conventional charge accumulation of the imaging apparatus In order to prevent radiation from being applied to the imaging device over time, a technology is used to ensure operation by transmitting and receiving an irradiation permission request signal and an irradiation permission signal between the radiation irradiation device and the imaging device. (See Patent Documents 1 to 4).
Also, in recent years, the dynamic behavior (dynamics) of a subject is analyzed and diagnosed by serial imaging in which the subject is continuously imaged at a fixed interval to obtain a plurality of frame images. It has become to.

JP 2006-333898 A JP 2011-041866 A JP 2013-046819 A JP 2014-166578 A

The imaging device at the time of serial imaging repeats a series of imaging sequences of accumulation of charges in the image sensor mainly by radiation irradiation, reading and transfer of accumulated charges, and initialization of the image sensor at a predetermined cycle.
In serial imaging, the imaging sequence needs to be repeated at a high frame rate of 15 frames / s or 30 frames / s in order to capture the dynamics of the subject without omission. For example, even when serial shooting is performed at a relatively low frame rate of 15 frames / s, it is necessary to end the shooting sequence in 66.6 ms or less to complete shooting of one frame. However, in the imaging apparatuses described in Patent Documents 1 to 4, since it takes about 50 ms to perform a series of imaging sequences, the time allowed for radiation irradiation is about 15 ms.

  However, in the systems described in Patent Documents 1 to 4, a communication delay occurs due to, for example, CSMA-CA defined in order to avoid a collision between transmission and reception packets in a communication standard for wireless communication, and an irradiation permission request signal and There was a problem that it took time to transmit and receive the irradiation permission signal. When communication delay occurs, for example, the irradiation time of radiation does not fit within the period in which charges are accumulated by the imaging apparatus, and the amount of radiation irradiated in one frame of imaging is higher than in imaging without communication delay. It will decrease. As a result, the signal value of the obtained frame image decreases as a whole.

Such a change in the radiation dose greatly affects the analysis of the dynamics of the imaging target using the obtained plurality of frame images, particularly the analysis of the dynamics focusing on the time direction difference of the imaging target.
In other words, since the signal value of only a specific frame decreases as a whole, the difference in the feature amount between the specific frame and the frame shot immediately before the specific frame is taken in a state where no communication delay occurs. Therefore, when performing various types of analysis, the difference in the feature amount may be mistakenly recognized as abnormal.

  In addition, in communication such as wireless LAN that is widely spread in general, a delay of about 9 ms occurs at the maximum, and transmission of the irradiation permission request signal and return of the irradiation permission signal are delayed by a total of 18 ms and allowed for radiation irradiation. The time may be exceeded. In this case, radiation is not irradiated at the timing when charges are accumulated in the imaging device, and serial imaging is not established.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is a radiation imaging system including a radiation irradiation device that generates radiation and a radiation imaging device that generates image data of a radiation image based on the received radiation. An object of the present invention is to make it possible to take appropriate measures before the difference in operation between the radiation irradiation apparatus and the radiation imaging apparatus becomes so large as to affect the diagnosis.

In order to solve the above problem, a radiographic system according to the present invention includes:
A radiation irradiation device for generating radiation; and
First timing means for timing in conjunction with the radiation irradiation device;
A radiation imaging apparatus for generating image data based on the received radiation;
Second timing means for timing in conjunction with the radiographic apparatus;
Obtaining means for obtaining the time value of the first time measuring means at a predetermined time point and the time value of the second time measuring means at the predetermined time point as first time information and second time information, respectively;
A determination unit that determines whether or not a specific condition is satisfied based on the first timing information and the second timing information acquired by the acquisition unit;
Output means for performing a specific output when the determination means determines that the specific condition is satisfied.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to take an appropriate measure before the difference in operation between the radiation irradiation apparatus and the radiation imaging apparatus becomes so large as to affect the diagnosis.

It is a block diagram showing the structure of the radiography system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the specific structure of the radiation control apparatus with which the radiography system of FIG. 1 is provided. It is a block diagram showing the specific structure of the radiography apparatus with which the radiography system of FIG. 1 is provided. It is a timing chart showing the basic operation of the radiation imaging system of FIG. It is a figure showing the time information of each time measuring part when the imaging | photography system 100 of FIG. 1 operate | moves. It is a block diagram showing an example of a structure of the access point with which the radiography system of FIG. 1 is provided. It is a block diagram showing other composition of a radiography system concerning the embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the radiography apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the radiation control apparatus of FIG. It is a timing chart showing operation | movement of the radiography apparatus of FIG. 8, or the radiation control apparatus of FIG. It is a timing chart showing operation | movement of the radiography apparatus of FIG. 8, or the radiation control apparatus of FIG. It is a timing chart showing operation | movement of the radiography apparatus of FIG. 8, or the radiation control apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram showing the other structure of the radiography apparatus with which the radiography system which concerns on the embodiment is provided. It is a timing chart showing operation | movement of the radiography system of FIG. It is a block diagram showing the other structure of the radiography apparatus with which the radiography system which concerns on the embodiment is provided. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the radiation imaging system according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the radiography system which concerns on an incidental technique. It is a block diagram showing the specific structure of the radiography apparatus with which the radiography system of FIG. 17 is provided. It is a block diagram showing the specific structure of the radiation control apparatus with which the radiography system of FIG. 10 is provided. It is a timing chart showing an example of operation | movement of the radiography system of FIG. It is an imming chart showing the other example of operation | movement of the radiography system of FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a radiation imaging system according to Example 1-1. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the radiography system which concerns on Example 1-2. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the radiography system which concerns on Example 1-3. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the radiography system which concerns on Example 1-4. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the radiography system which concerns on Example 1-5. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the radiography system which concerns on Example 1-6. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the radiography system which concerns on Example 1-7. It is a block diagram showing the specific structure of the radiography apparatus with which the radiography system concerning Example 1-8 is provided. It is a timing chart showing operation | movement of a radiography system provided with the radiography apparatus of FIG. It is a timing chart showing operation of a radiography system concerning Example 1-9. It is a timing chart showing operation of the radiography system concerning Example 1-11. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 2-1. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 2-2. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 2-3. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 2-4. It is a perspective view of the radiography apparatus with which the radiography system concerning Example 2-5 is provided. It is a graph showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 3-1. It is a graph showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 3-2. It is a graph showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 3-3. It is a graph showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 4-1. It is a graph showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 4-2. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 4-3. It is a graph showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 5-1. (A) is a graph showing the relationship between temperature and timekeeping speed, (b) is a graph showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 5-3 of 1st, 2nd invention. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 6-2. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 6-3. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 6-4. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 6-5. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 6-6. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 7-1. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 7-2. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 7-3. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 9-1. It is a flowchart showing operation | movement of the radiography system which concerns on Example 9-2. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the radiography system concerning Example 11-1. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the radiography system which concerns on Example 11-2. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the radiography system which concerns on Example 11-3.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to that illustrated in the drawings.

[Configuration of radiation imaging system]
First, an outline of a radiation imaging system (hereinafter referred to as an imaging system 100) according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the imaging system 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging system 100 of the present embodiment includes a radiation irradiation apparatus (hereinafter referred to as irradiation apparatus 1), an access point (hereinafter referred to as AP2), one or a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as imaging apparatus 3), , And is configured.
And the irradiation apparatus 1 and AP2, AP2, and the imaging device 3 can communicate, respectively. That is, the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 3 can communicate with each other via the AP 2.
In addition, the imaging system 100 can communicate with a radiology information system (RIS), a picture archiving communication system (PACS), or the like (not shown).

The irradiation device 1 generates radiation (X-ray or the like) and irradiates the subject R and the imaging device 3 disposed behind the subject S. The apparatus 12), a radiation tube (hereinafter referred to as a tube 13), a console 14, an operation panel 15 and the like.
The control device 12 and the tube 13, the control device 12 and the console 14, and the console 14 and the operation panel 15 are connected to be communicable with each other by wire.

The control device 12 is configured to apply a voltage corresponding to a preset radiation irradiation condition to the tube 13 based on an exposure start operation by the user.
A specific configuration of the control device 12 will be described later.

When a voltage is applied from the control device 12, the tube 13 generates a dose of radiation R corresponding to the voltage for a time during which the voltage is applied.
That is, the tube 13 emits radiation R continuously when a voltage is continuously applied from the control device 12, and emits pulsed radiation R when a pulsed voltage is applied. Yes.

The console 14 is configured by a PC, a portable terminal, or a dedicated device.
Further, the console 14 can perform various image processing on the received image data as necessary.
The console 14 has a display unit (not shown) and can display a radiation image based on the image data.

The console 14 can set the shooting mode.
In the present embodiment, there are two types of shooting modes, a still image shooting mode and a serial shooting mode, and one of these can be selected.
The still image shooting mode is a shooting mode in which a single radiation image is generated by irradiating the radiation R having a time width set in the irradiation condition only once by one exposure start operation.
The serial imaging mode is an imaging mode in which one or more radiation images are generated by irradiating the pulsed radiation R having a time width set in the irradiation condition at least once by one exposure start operation.
The console 14 can set the frame rate when serial shooting is set as the shooting mode. The frame rate may be an arbitrary numerical value input by the user, or may be selected from a plurality of options (for example, 15 frames / s (hereinafter fps), 7.5 fps, 30 fps, etc.).

The operation panel 15 includes an exposure switch 15a having a two-stage configuration.
The exposure switch 15a is connected to the main body of the operation panel 15 by wire.
Then, based on the operation of the exposure switch 15 a, a photographing start signal is transmitted to the control device 12 and the photographing device 3. That is, in this embodiment, pressing of the exposure switch 15a is one of the exposure start operations.
As will be described later (as shown in FIG. 19), the operation panel 15 may be provided in the control device 12 as the operation unit 15.

The AP 2 includes a communication unit and relays communication between the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 3.
The communication unit includes an antenna and a connector, and can perform both wired communication and wireless communication.
Further, the communication unit repeatedly transmits a beacon to the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 3 at a predetermined cycle.
The AP 2 may not be provided separately from the irradiation apparatus 1 and the imaging apparatus 3 but may be incorporated in the irradiation apparatus 1 or the imaging apparatus 3.

The imaging device 3 generates image data by receiving the radiation R from the irradiation device 1.
The details of the photographing apparatus 3 will be described later.

The imaging system 100 according to the present embodiment configured as described above can perform radiography of the subject S by irradiating the subject S arranged in front of the imaging device 3 from the irradiation device 1 with the radiation R. It has become.
If the shooting mode is set to the still image shooting mode in the console 14, one still image is obtained. If the shooting is set to the serial shooting mode, a dynamic image consisting of a series of a plurality of images is obtained. It is done.
Hereinafter, a series of a plurality of images obtained by serial imaging is referred to as a dynamic image, and individual images constituting the dynamic image are referred to as frame images.

  Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the imaging system 100 configured such that the AP 2 and the irradiation apparatus 1 communicate with each other by wire and the AP 2 and the imaging apparatus communicate wirelessly. It suffices that at least one of device 1, AP2 and photographing device 3 is configured to communicate wirelessly. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, AP2 and irradiation device 1, and AP2 and photographing device 3 communicate wirelessly. It can also be configured, or the AP 2 and the irradiation device 1 can communicate with each other wirelessly, and the AP 2 and the imaging device can communicate with each other by wire.

  Further, the imaging system 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above can be used by being installed, for example, in a hospital imaging room or the like, and can be moved by configuring the irradiation device 1 as a wheeled round-trip car. It can also be used as a possible system. If it is possible to move, it is possible to go to the subject S (subject S) that is difficult to move and take a radiographic image.

For example, when photographing using a photographing stand installed in a hospital photographing room, a wired cable is connected to the photographing device 3 installed on the photographing stand, and transmission / reception of information to / from the irradiation device 1, It is possible to supply power to the photographing apparatus 3 and the like.
For example, in the case where a wired cable is used for connection to the imaging device 3 described above, it is possible to capture images in synchronization with the timing of the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 3 by including a pulse signal or timing signal in the signal of the wired cable. Become.
However, for example, even in shooting in a shooting room, it may be necessary to take a picture while still in a wheelchair or a bed. In such a case, with the shooting apparatus 3 attached with a wired cable,
・ There is a risk that the cable may get in the way. ・ There is a risk that the cable may come out and become unable to communicate. ・ There is a problem that the cable touches the subject and there is a problem in terms of hygiene. was there.

When taking a picture by moving in a round-trip car, the picture is taken in a ward where the subject is being treated. In this case, imaging is performed in the bed where the subject is sleeping, and it is necessary to perform imaging by inserting a radiation imaging apparatus between the subject and the bed. Therefore, there is a problem that the cable is in the way, there is a risk that the cable will be disconnected and communication will be impossible, and there is a problem in terms of hygiene because the cable touches the subject. There was a demand to shoot without using.
In particular, in radiography using a CR before the radiation imaging apparatus using FPD, a wired cable is not necessary at the time of radiography, and in order to obtain the same ease of operation as CR, it is desired to perform radiography without using a cable. was there.
However, by using the imaging system 100 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to configure a round-trip car that meets these demands.

[Configuration of radiation control device]
Next, a specific configuration of the control device 12 included in the irradiation device 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a specific configuration of the control device 12.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 12 according to the present embodiment includes a radiation control unit 121, a high voltage generation unit 122, a storage unit 123, a communication unit 124, an irradiation side timing unit 125, and the like.

  Based on the control signal from the console 14 or the operation panel 15, the radiation control unit 121 performs various imaging conditions (conditions related to the subject S such as an imaging target region and a physique, tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, and current-time product. It is possible to set conditions regarding radiation irradiation such as. And based on having received the imaging | photography start signal from the exposure switch 15a, it is comprised so that the control information which instruct | indicates the application of a voltage (radiation irradiation) start may be transmitted with respect to the high voltage generation part 122. FIG.

  The high voltage generator 122 is configured to apply a voltage corresponding to a preset radiation irradiation condition to the tube 13 based on the reception of the control signal from the tube controller.

  The storage unit 123 includes an SRAM (Static RAM), an SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM), a NAND flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like.

The communication unit 124 includes an antenna and a connector for communicating with the outside.
The communication unit 36 can select whether to perform wireless communication or wired communication based on a control signal from the outside. That is, when wireless communication is selected, wireless communication using an antenna is performed, and when wired communication is selected, information can be transmitted and received by using a wired LAN or the like. When synchronization is desired using wired communication, for example, a protocol such as NTP (Network Time Protocol) or the international standard IEEE Std. Synchronization can be performed by using a method defined in 1558-2008 (hereinafter abbreviated as IEEE 1588).

The irradiation side time measuring unit 125 is the second time measuring means in the present invention, and starts time counting when the power is turned on or a predetermined control signal is received from the outside, and generates time measuring information. It is configured as follows.
The output from the irradiation side timing unit 125 may be timing information such as pulses at regular intervals, time such as year, month, day, hour, minute, second, or the number of counts counted up at regular intervals from a certain point in time. It is good also as time information, such as.
Note that the irradiation side timing unit 125 may be provided outside the control device 12 instead of being built in the control device 12.
In recent years, there is also a wireless LAN chip equipped with a time synchronization function (Timing Synchronization Function, hereinafter referred to as TSF) defined in the IEEE 802.11 communication standard, which will be described later, and having the timer function described above. Therefore, it is possible to use such a wireless LAN chip as the irradiation side timing unit 125.

In the present embodiment, the control device 12 includes the high voltage generator 122. In this way, the user can handle radiation without being conscious of the high voltage generator 122. Therefore, for example, radiation can be handled with a device configuration in which occurrence of unintended problems due to matching between devices is less.
On the other hand, the high voltage generator 122 may not be included in the control device 12, and the high voltage generator 122 may be independent from the main body of the control device 12. By doing in this way, it becomes possible for a user to select the arbitrary high voltage generation part 122 independent of the control apparatus 12, and to comprise an apparatus, and the freedom degree of apparatus selection can be raised.

[Configuration of radiation imaging equipment]
Next, a specific configuration of the imaging device 3 provided in the imaging system 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a specific configuration of the imaging device 3.
Here, a so-called indirect type that obtains an electric signal by converting the emitted radiation R into electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths such as visible light will be described as an example. It may be a so-called direct type photographing apparatus that directly converts into an electric signal.
Further, other configurations of the imaging device 3 are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 3 as long as the image data of the radiation image can be generated.

  The imaging apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment includes an imaging control unit 31, a radiation detection unit 32, a scanning drive unit 33, a reading unit 34, a storage unit 35, as shown in FIG. A communication unit 36, a photographing side timing unit 37, and the like are provided. And each part 31-37 receives supply of electric power from the battery 38. FIG.

The casing is provided with a power switch, a changeover switch, an indicator (not shown), a connector 36b of the communication unit 36 to be described later, and the like.
When the scintillator receives the radiation R, the scintillator emits an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength longer than that of radiation such as visible light.

  The imaging control unit 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an input / output interface, etc., which are not shown, connected to a bus, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and the like. It consists of Note that a dedicated control circuit may be used.

The radiation detection unit 32 is for generating charges by receiving the radiation R, and includes a substrate 32a, a plurality of scanning lines 32b, a plurality of signal lines 32c, a plurality of radiation detection elements 32d, a plurality of switch elements 32e, It is composed of a plurality of bias lines 32f, a power supply circuit 32g, and the like.
The substrate 32a is formed in a plate shape and is disposed so as to face the scintillator in parallel.
The plurality of scanning lines 32b are provided to extend in parallel to each other with a predetermined interval.
The plurality of signal lines 32c are provided so as to extend in parallel with each other at a predetermined interval, so as to extend perpendicular to the scanning line 32b, and not to be electrically connected to each scanning line.
That is, the plurality of scanning lines 32b and signal lines 32c are provided so as to form a lattice.

The radiation detection element 32d generates an electrical signal (current, charge) corresponding to the dose of radiation irradiated to the radiation detection element (or the amount of electromagnetic wave converted by the scintillator), for example, a photodiode, It is composed of a phototransistor or the like.
The plurality of radiation detection elements 32d are provided on the surface of the substrate 32a and in a plurality of regions partitioned by the plurality of scanning lines 32b and the signal lines 32c, respectively. That is, the plurality of radiation detection elements 32d are arranged in a matrix (matrix). For this reason, each radiation detection element 32d faces the scintillator.
A drain terminal of a switch element 32e, which is a switch element, is connected to one terminal of each radiation detection element 32d, and a bias line is connected to the other terminal.

The plurality of switch elements 32e are provided in a plurality of regions partitioned by the plurality of scanning lines 32b and signal lines 32c, respectively, similarly to the radiation detection element 32d.
Each switch element 32e has a gate electrode connected to a scanning line 32b, a source electrode connected to a signal line 32c, and a drain electrode connected to one terminal of a radiation detecting element 32d in the same region.

The plurality of bias lines 32f are connected to the other terminal of each radiation detection element 32d.
The power supply circuit 32g generates a reverse bias voltage, and applies the reverse bias voltage to each radiation detection element via the bias line 32f.

The scanning drive unit 33 includes a power supply circuit 33a, a gate driver 33b, and the like.
The power supply circuit 33a generates an on voltage and an off voltage, each having a different voltage, and supplies the generated voltage to the gate driver 33b.
The gate driver 33b is configured to switch the voltage applied to each scanning line 32b between an on voltage and an off voltage.

The reading unit 34 includes a plurality of reading circuits 34a, an analog multiplexer 34b, an A / D converter 34c, and the like.
The plurality of readout circuits 34a are connected to the signal lines 32c of the radiation detector 32, and apply a reference voltage to the signal lines 32c.
Each readout circuit 34a includes an integration circuit 34d and a correlated double sampling circuit (hereinafter referred to as CDS circuit) 34e.

The integrating circuit 34d integrates the charge discharged to the signal line 32c, and outputs a voltage value corresponding to the integrated charge amount to the CDS circuit 34e.
The CDS circuit 34e samples and holds the output voltage of the integration circuit 34d before applying the on-voltage (while applying the off-voltage) to the scanning line 32b to which the radiation detection element 32d to be read is connected. The on-voltage is applied to the corresponding scanning line 32b, the signal charge of the radiation detecting element is read, and the difference between the output voltages of the integrating circuit 34d after the off-voltage is applied to the corresponding scanning line 32b is output. Yes.

The analog multiplexer 34b outputs a plurality of differential signals output from the CDS circuit 34e one by one to the A / D converter 34c.
The A / D converter 34c sequentially converts the input analog voltage value image data into digital value image data.

  The storage unit 35 includes an SRAM (Static RAM), an SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM), a NAND flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like.

The communication unit 36 includes an antenna 36a and a connector 36b for communicating with the outside.
The communication unit 36 can select whether to perform wireless communication or wired communication based on a control signal from the outside. That is, when wireless communication is selected, wireless communication using the antenna 36a is performed, and when wired communication is selected, information can be transmitted and received by using a wired LAN or the like. When synchronization is desired using wired communication, the synchronization can be performed using a protocol such as NTP (Network Time Protocol) or a method defined in the international standard IEEE 1588.

The photographing side timing unit 37 is a second timing unit according to the present invention, and is configured to generate timing information by measuring the time when the power is turned on or receiving a predetermined control signal from the outside. Has been.
The output from the photographing time measuring unit 37 may be timing information such as pulses at regular intervals, time such as year, month, day, hour, minute, second, or the number of counts counted up at regular intervals from a certain point in time. It is good also as time information, such as.
Note that the photographing side timing unit 37 may be provided outside the photographing apparatus 3 instead of being built in the photographing apparatus 3.
In recent years, there is also a wireless LAN chip equipped with a time synchronization function (Timing Synchronization Function, hereinafter referred to as TSF) defined in the IEEE 802.11 communication standard, which will be described later, and having the timer function described above. Therefore, it is possible to use such a wireless LAN chip as the photographing side timing unit 37.

When the power is turned on, the image capturing apparatus 3 configured in this manner takes one of the “initialization state”, “accumulation state”, and “read / transfer state”. The timing for switching the state will be described later.
The “initialized state” is a state in which an ON voltage is applied to each switch element 32e, and the charge generated by the radiation detection element 32d is not accumulated in each pixel (discharges the charge to the signal line 32c).
The “accumulation state” is a state in which an off voltage is applied to each switch element 32e, and the charge generated by the radiation detection element 32d can be accumulated in the pixel (the charge is not released to the signal line 32c).
In the “reading / transferring state”, an ON voltage is applied to each switch element 32e, and the reading unit 34 is driven to read image data based on the flowed-in electric charge and transmit it to another device. It is possible.
Depending on the configuration of the device and the device, the charge accumulated by reading is cleared, so “reading” and “initialization” are not distinguished as separate operations, and “reading” and “initialization” are the same operations. Sometimes it happens at the same time.

[Radiation imaging system imaging operations]
Next, a basic photographing operation performed by the photographing system 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the operation of the photographing system 100, and FIG.

First, when an operation that triggers the start of timing by the irradiation side timing unit 125 of the control device 12 and the imaging side timing unit 37 of the imaging device 3 is performed (for example, the power of each device of the imaging system 100 is turned on), The irradiation side timing unit 125 and the imaging side timing unit 37 start timing.
At this time, the timing start timing of the irradiation side timing unit 125 and the timing start timing of the imaging side timing unit 37 will be different, depending on the timing information of one timing unit or the timing information of the timing means linked to one timing unit, The timing information of the other timing unit is matched with the timing information of one timing unit.
Thereafter, when the user presses the exposure switch 15 a of the irradiation apparatus 1, the irradiation apparatus 1 transmits an imaging start signal to the control apparatus 12 and the imaging apparatus 3.
Then, the photographing device 3 is configured such that the timekeeping information (time information) of the photographing time measuring unit 37 becomes the first predetermined value (t1) or (when the first predetermined time (t1) has elapsed from the start of timekeeping). 3 performs initialization to discharge dark charges accumulated in each pixel to the signal line 32c by applying an ON voltage to each switch element 32e.

  Thereafter, when the timekeeping information of the photographing side timekeeping unit 37 reaches a second predetermined value (t2) that is larger than the first predetermined value (when the second predetermined time (t2) elapses from the start of timekeeping), the photographing device 3 By applying an off voltage to 32b, the charge generated by the radiation detection element 32d can be stored in the pixel. The state in which the electric charge can be accumulated is continued until the time measurement information of the photographing side time measuring unit 37 reaches the fourth predetermined value (t4) larger than the second predetermined value (until the fourth predetermined time elapses from the start of the time measurement). .

In addition, the irradiation device 1 determines that the timing information of the irradiation side timing unit 125 of the control device 12 becomes a third predetermined value (t3) that is larger than the second predetermined value and smaller than the fourth predetermined value (third predetermined time from the start of timing). After the elapse, the radiation R is irradiated to the subject S and the imaging device 3 behind the subject S. That is, the irradiation apparatus 1 irradiates radiation while the imaging apparatus 3 is in a state where charge can be accumulated (t2 to t3).
And the imaging device 3 will generate | occur | produce an electric charge with each radiation detection element 32d of the radiation detection part 32, and accumulate | store it in each pixel, if the radiation R is received.

In addition, when the timing information of the imaging side timing unit 37 reaches the fourth predetermined value (t4) that is larger than the third predetermined value (when the fourth predetermined time (t4) has elapsed from the start of timing), the imaging device 3 firstly In the same flow as the initialization, an on-voltage is applied to each TFT 35 connected to each scanning line 32b, and charges accumulated in each pixel are discharged to each signal line 32c. Then, image data based on the electric charge flowing in the reading unit 34 is read.
Depending on the configuration of the radiation detection element of the imaging apparatus 3, the stored charge may be released and the initialization operation may be performed when reading the charge.

  When the photographing mode is set to the serial photographing mode, the irradiation device 1 and the photographing device 3 count the number of frame images for photographing the above-described series of operations based on the time information of the TSF timer 22 and the photographing time measuring unit 37. Repeat for minutes.

[Timer deviation]
While the imaging system 100 is performing the above-described operation, for example, due to the influence of an error in the frequency of the oscillator provided in the control device 12 or the imaging device 3, the time measurement of the irradiation side timing unit linked to the control device 12 is performed. There may be a slight difference between the speed and the timekeeping speed of the photographing side timekeeping unit 37 linked to the photographing device 3. In such a case, when a relatively long time shooting such as serial shooting is performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, there is a difference between the timing information of the irradiation side timing unit 125 and the timing information of the shooting side timing unit 37. Since it becomes gradually larger, the operation timing of the irradiation apparatus 1 and the operation timing of the photographing apparatus 3 are shifted.
Therefore, the imaging system 100 according to the present embodiment takes appropriate measures before the difference between the operation timing of the irradiation apparatus 1 and the operation timing of the imaging apparatus 3 becomes large enough to affect the diagnosis. Yes.

In order to confirm the degree of deviation, first time information as a reference for comparison and second time information as a comparison target are required.
Examples of the method for generating the first timing information include the following.

[First timekeeping information generation method 1]
The first generation method is a method of using time information used in the time synchronization function (Timing Synchronization Function, hereinafter referred to as TSF) included in the IEEE 802.11 communication standard as the first timekeeping information.

“TSF” is a function for adjusting the time between an access point and a device when wireless communication is performed between the devices.
Specifically, the access point has a time measuring means (TSF timer) that periodically counts up (every 1 μs) in free run, and the beacon transmitted periodically (every 100 ms in the standard) Send the time information to the terminal.
On the other hand, the terminal also has a timing means for counting up periodically (every 1 μs), and when receiving a beacon, the time information of its own clock unit 125, 37 is updated to the time information included in the beacon, and the count is continued. It is to do.

When the time information of the TSF is used as the first timekeeping information, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the TSF timer 22 is provided in the AP 2, and the time information is included in the beacon output from the communication unit 21 of the AP 2. 12 and the photographing apparatus 3.
For example, the time counting method starts counting from 0, and when the time information reaches a predetermined maximum value, it resets to 0 and repeats counting.
The TSF timer 22 may be configured to output timekeeping information based on timekeeping independent of the control device 12 or the photographing device 3, or output timekeeping information linked to the timekeeping information of the control device 12 or the photographing device 3. It is good also as composition to do.
The time information of the TSF timer 22 included in this beacon, that is, the beacon transmission time, becomes the first timekeeping information.
If comprised in this way, the TSF timer 22 makes the 1st time measuring means in this invention.
Hereinafter, the AP 2 when the TSF is used as the first timing information is referred to as a timing information source device 2.

[Method 1 for generating first timing information]
The second generation method is a method using a dedicated device for outputting the first timing information.

Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a timing means (not shown) is provided, and a timing information source device 4 capable of communicating timing information with the control device 12 and the imaging device 3 is provided.
It is assumed that the time information source device 4 includes a time measuring means (not shown).
Note that the timing means of the timing information source device 4 may be configured to output timing information based on the timing independent of the control device 12 and the imaging device 3, or linked to the timing information of the control device 12 or the imaging device 3. It is good also as a structure which outputs the measured time information.
The output from the timing information source device 4 may be timing information such as pulses at regular intervals, time such as year, month, day, hour, minute, second, or the number of counts counted up at regular intervals from a certain point in time. It is good also as time information, such as.
Then, the timed time information is periodically transmitted as the first timed information.
If comprised in this way, the time-measurement information source apparatus 4 makes the 1st time measuring means in this invention.
Hereinafter, the TSF timer 22 of the AP 2 and the timing means (not shown) of the timing information source device 4 may be collectively referred to as a reference timing unit.

[Obtaining second timing information]
Of the control device 12 and the imaging device 3, the control unit of the device that receives the first time information from the time information sources 2 and 4 receives (acquires) the first time information from the time information sources 2 and 4. ), The timing information of the irradiation side timing unit 125 or the imaging side timing unit 37 is acquired as the second timing information. That is, in the present embodiment, the time when the first timing information is received corresponds to a predetermined time in the present invention.
In particular, in the present embodiment, a plurality of pieces of first timing information and a plurality of second timing information are acquired at a plurality of predetermined points in at least a part of the shooting period. That is, in the present embodiment, at least a part of the shooting period corresponds to the specific period in the present invention.
The specific period may be set to a desired length based on a user operation.
The radiation control unit 121 and the imaging control unit 31 having such a function constitute acquisition means in the present invention.

  FIG. 8 shows a configuration in which the timekeeping information by the own timekeeping unit 37 in the photographing device 3 is corrected and the timekeeping information is output to the photographing control unit 31, and FIG. 9 shows the timekeeping by the own timekeeping unit 125 in the control device 12. The configurations for correcting the information and outputting the time information to the radiation control unit 125 are respectively shown.

Of the photographing device 3 and the control device 12, the device that acquires the first timekeeping information includes timekeeping control means 3a and 12a. The clock control means 3a and 12a are connected to their own clock units 125 and 37, and acquire second clock information (time information or timing information) from their clock units 125 and 37.
The timekeeping control units 3a and 12a are connected to their own communication units 124 and 36, and can acquire first timekeeping information (time information or timing information) from the timekeeping information source devices 2 and 4. .
Such time-measurement control means 3a, 12a may be configured to be performed by individual semiconductors, substrates, or apparatuses, or may be a function of a general-purpose processing unit (including the radiation control unit 121 and the imaging control unit 31) such as a CPU and FPGA. It may be incorporated as a part.

In addition, the timing control means 3a and 12a can be set in advance with timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 or setting information related to time information transmission.
When the first timing information output from the timing information source devices 2 and 4 is timing information, for example, when the interval at which timing information (pulses or the like) is output from the timing information source devices 2 and 4 is set every x seconds, The interval at which the first time information can be acquired from the outside can be set to x seconds.
On the other hand, when the first timekeeping information output from the timekeeping information source devices 2 and 4 is time information, for example, time information from the timekeeping information source devices 2 and 4 (the timekeeping information source device 4 has counted up from a certain time point or time) When the interval at which the count number or the like is output is set every x seconds, it is possible to set the interval at which the timing information can be acquired from the outside as x seconds.
In particular, when the time information is a count-up value in the time information source device 4, the time control means 3a, 12a can acquire and set the count interval of the time information source device 4. For example, when the count frequency of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 is yHz, it is possible to obtain and set that the count interval is 1 / y second.

[Combination of deviation confirmation methods]
In the present embodiment, as described above, the first timing means generated by the timing information source devices 2 and 4 include time information and timing information. The irradiation side timing unit 125 and the imaging side control unit The second timing information acquired by 37 includes time information and timing information.
For this reason, the comparison for confirming the difference between the first timing information and the second timing information is performed by one of the following four methods depending on the configuration of each device.
1. 1. Comparison of timing information and timing information 2. Comparison of timing information and time information 3. Comparison of time information and timing information Comparison of time information and time information A method for confirming the amount of deviation between the first and second timekeeping information by each method will be described in detail below.

[How to check timing information deviation by comparing timing information and timing information]
10 and 11 show the operation of the device that receives the first timing information, among the control device 12 and the photographing device 3.
The timing information source devices 2 and 4 are configured to generate timing information as first timing means, and the timing control means 3a and 12a are configured to acquire timing information as second timing means. In the case shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, for example, the timing control means 3a and 12a receive a period ((N) from the timing information input from the timing information source devices 2 and 4 until the next timing information is input. -1) Counting the number of pulses of its own clock units 125 and 37 during the period from the reception of the Nth pulse to the reception of the Nth pulse), and the timing speed of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 In contrast, the timekeeping speeds of the own timekeeping units 125 and 37 are determined.

For example, when the output period of the first time information from the time information source devices 2 and 4 is set to 1 second, and the clock of its own time measuring unit 125 and 37 is set to 10 MHz, 10,000,000 per second The number of pulses is counted.
However, in actuality, the pulse generation speed fluctuates due to variations in the timing means of the timing information source devices 2 and 4, the accuracy of the imaging side timing unit 37 or the irradiation side timing unit 125 itself, and changes in temperature. It does not become 1,000,000 times, but a difference occurs.
This difference is the time difference between the time measuring means of the time measuring information source device 4 and the time measuring means of the photographing device 3 or the control device 12.

For example, in the case shown in FIG. 10, the number of pulses in the period from the reception of the (N-1) th pulse to the reception of the Nth pulse is 10,000,010 times, 10 times from the set value. In many cases, it is possible to recognize that the timekeeping unit 125, 37 of the timekeeping information source device 4 is faster by 10 / 10,000,000.
On the other hand, for example, in the case shown in FIG. 11, the number of pulses in the period from the reception of the (N−1) th pulse to the reception of the Nth pulse is 9,999,990 times from the set value. When it is less than 10 times, it is possible to recognize that the timekeeping unit 125, 37 of the timekeeping information source device 4 is slow by 10 / 10,000,000.

[How to check the amount of time information deviation by comparing timing information and time information]
The timing information source devices 2 and 4 are configured to generate timing information as first timing means, and the timing control means 3a and 12a are configured to acquire time information as second timing means. In the case shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, for example, the timing control means 3a and 12a receive a period ((N) from the timing information input from the timing information source devices 2 and 4 until the next timing information is input. -1) time period from the reception of the Nth pulse to the reception of the Nth pulse), the time information is generated from the timing information such as the pulses of the own clock units 125 and 37 From the time information, the timekeeping speeds of the timekeeping units 125 and 37 with respect to the timekeeping speed of the timekeeping information source device 4 are determined.

For example, when the output period of the first time information from the time information source devices 2 and 4 is set to 1 second, and the clock of its own time measuring unit 125 and 37 is set to 10 MHz, 10,000,000 per second Since a round pulse is generated, a pulse is generated every 0.0000001 seconds. Therefore, it is possible to obtain time information at each timing by correcting the time information every 0.0000001 seconds for each pulse.
Here, the correction to the time information may be performed for each pulse, but the time information may be corrected after being collected for each of a plurality of pulses. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which corrects time information collectively, when there exists an inquiry of time information.
If the correction of the time information is repeated for one second with the setting as described above, the time information becomes one second.
However, in actuality, the pulse generation speed fluctuates due to variations in the timing means of the timing information source devices 2 and 4, the accuracy of the imaging side timing unit 37 or the irradiation side timing unit 125 itself, and changes in temperature. There is a difference, not seconds.
This difference is a time difference between the time measuring means of the time information source device 4 and the photographing side time measuring unit 37 or the irradiation side time measuring unit 125.

For example, in the case shown in FIG. 10, the number of pulses in the period from the reception of the (N-1) th pulse to the reception of the Nth pulse is 10,000,010 times, 10 times from the set value. In many cases, the period from the reception of the (N−1) th pulse to the reception of the Nth pulse is 1.000001 seconds, which is per second with respect to the timing speed of the timing information source device 4. It is possible to recognize that the timekeeping speeds of the timekeeping units 125 and 37 are high only for 0.000001 seconds.
On the other hand, for example, in the case of FIG. 11, the number of pulses in the period from the reception of the (N-1) th pulse to the reception of the Nth pulse is 9,999,990, which is 10 from the set value. When the number of times is small, the period from the reception of the (N-1) th pulse to the reception of the Nth pulse is 0.999999 seconds, which is per second with respect to the timing speed of the timing information source device 4 It becomes possible to recognize that the timekeeping speeds of the timekeeping units 125 and 37 are slow for 0.000001 seconds.

[How to check the amount of time information deviation by comparing time information and timing information]
FIG. 12 shows the operation of the control device 12 and the imaging device 3 that receives the first timing information.
The timing information source devices 2 and 4 are configured to generate time information as the first timing means, and the timing control means 3a and 12a are configured to acquire the timing information as the second timing means. In this case, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the time control means 3a, 12a is the period from the time information input from the time information source devices 2, 4 until the next time information is input ((N-1 ) During the period from when the time information is received until the time when the Nth time information is received, the number of pulses of the timekeeping units 125 and 37 is counted, and the timekeeping speeds of the timekeeping information source devices 2 and 4 are counted. Therefore, the time measuring speeds of the time measuring units 125 and 37 are determined.

For example, the time control means 3a, 12a obtains the time at the (N-1) time point and the time at the N time point as time information from the time information source devices 2 and 4, respectively, and calculates the difference between these times, The length (time) of the period from (N-1) to N can be acquired.
On the other hand, in the case of acquiring time information at time (N-1) and time information at time N as time information from own time measuring sections 125 and 37, time information at time (N-1) and time N By multiplying the difference in the timing information at the count interval of the timing information source device 4, the timing control means 3a, 12a can acquire the period from the (N-1) time point to the N time point.
Then, the timing control means 3a, 12a compares the period from the (N-1) point to the N point and the value obtained by multiplying the pulse timing information of its own timing unit 125, 37 by its own pulse interval during this period. By doing so, it is possible to determine the timekeeping speeds of its own timekeeping units 125 and 37 with respect to the timekeeping speed of the timekeeping information source device 4.

[How to check the amount of time information deviation by comparing time information with time information]
The timing information source devices 2 and 4 are configured to generate time information as the first timing means, and the timing control means 3a and 12a are configured to acquire the time information as the second timing means. In this case, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the time at time (N−1) and the time at time N are acquired as time information from the time measuring information source devices 2 and 4, and the difference between them is calculated. The timekeeping control means 3a, 12a can acquire the length (time) of the period from the (N-1) time point to the N time point.
On the other hand, the time control means 3a, 12a obtains the time at the (N-1) time point and the time at the N time point as time information from its own time measuring units 125, 37, and calculates the difference between them. A period from (N-1) time point to N time point can be acquired.
And the time-measurement control means 3a, 12a has the period from the (N-1) time based on the 1st time information to the N time and the period from the (N-1) time to the N time based on the second time information. By comparing, it is possible to determine the timekeeping speeds of the timekeeping units 125 and 37 with respect to the timekeeping speed of the timekeeping information source device 4.

  By comparing the first timekeeping information and the second timekeeping information using any one of the above four methods, the timekeeping speeds of the timekeeping units 125 and 37 with respect to the timekeeping speeds of the timekeeping information source devices 2 and 4 are determined. can do.

[Judgment of satisfaction of specific conditions]
Further, the imaging control unit 31 determines whether or not the specific condition is satisfied based on the acquired first time information and second time information.
In the present embodiment, for example, it is determined whether or not the timekeeping accuracy is sufficient using at least one of the following determination methods 1 to 3, and the specific condition is satisfied if the timekeeping accuracy is not sufficient. It comes to judge that.

[Method for judging timing accuracy 1 (difference)]
When using the deviation (difference) between the first timing information and the second timing information to determine the timing accuracy, for example, the difference between the acquired first timing information and the second timing information is calculated and specified. Determine whether the value is exceeded. When the difference exceeds a specific value, it is determined that the time measurement accuracy is not sufficient, that is, the specific condition is satisfied.

[Time determination accuracy judgment method 2 (variation)]
In addition, when using a change in the deviation amount (difference) for determination, for example, every time the first time information and the second time information are acquired, the difference between the first time information and the second time information is calculated, It is stored in the storage unit 35. Then, the amount of change between the stored difference and the previously calculated difference is calculated, and it is determined whether or not the calculated change amount exceeds the previously calculated change amount. When the calculated amount of change exceeds the previous amount of change, it is determined that the timing accuracy is not sufficient, that is, the specific condition is satisfied.

  In the case where the difference prediction is used for the determination, for example, the difference between the acquired first time information and the second time information and the amount of change are calculated and stored in the storage unit 35. Then, based on the stored difference and change amount, it may be determined whether or not a specific value is exceeded when a similar change continues for a predetermined period (for example, a shooting period).

In determining whether the specific condition is satisfied, the difference between the first timekeeping information and the second timekeeping information, the value of the change amount may be used as it is, or an average value may be calculated for these values, A change state and a predicted value in the future may be calculated using a method such as linear interpolation or spline interpolation.
When calculating the average value, for example, the difference between the acquired first time information and second time information is calculated and stored in the storage unit 35. Then, an average value is calculated from a plurality of stored differences. Since the change amount of the difference may change abruptly, it is possible to cope with such a change by calculating an average value.
Parameters necessary for linear interpolation and spline interpolation can be obtained using, for example, the least square method. A technique for making a determination in this way can make a more advanced judgment by using an interpolation or extrapolation technique that is also used in other fields.
The imaging control unit 31 having such a function serves as a determination unit in the present invention.

Specific output
Further, the timing control means 3a and 12a perform a specific output when it is determined that the specific condition is satisfied.
The specific output in the present embodiment includes the following, for example.

[Specific output 1 (time information correction)]
In this case, when the timing control means 3a, 12a determines that the specific condition is satisfied, the difference between the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2, 4 and the timing information of its own timing units 125, 37 is small. Thus, the operation of the timing units 125 and 37 is corrected.
For example, the timing information and the time information are corrected as described below.

[Correction of timing information]
For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the timing control means 3 a, 12 a has its own timing unit in the period from the (N−1) th timing information to the Nth timing information. As a result of confirming the speeds 125 and 37, if it is determined that the specific condition is satisfied, the time counting section 125, its own, is received during the period from the Nth timing information to the reception of the (N + 1) th timing information. The timing information of 37 can be corrected.
For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the correction can be realized by thinning out or adding pulses for a certain period according to the detected speed difference.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the number of pulses in the period from the reception of the (N−1) th pulse to the reception of the Nth pulse is 10,000,010 times, which is 10 from the set value. In the case of many times, it is possible to perform a process of thinning out pulses once every 1,000,000 times in a period from reception of the Nth pulse to reception of the (N + 1) th pulse. . Or it can be set as the structure which delays a pulse generation so that a pulse may decrease once.
On the other hand, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the number of pulses in the period from the reception of the (N−1) th pulse to the reception of the Nth pulse is 9,999,990, which is the set value. If the number of pulses is less than 10 times, 2 pulses are added so that the number of pulses increases once every 1,000,000 times in the period from the reception of the Nth pulse to the reception of the (N + 1) th pulse. It can be configured to count once. Or it can be set as the structure which accelerates | stimulates a pulse generation so that one pulse may increase.

Note that the timing control means 3a and 12a may be configured to correct the pulse interval.
For example, when a CR oscillation circuit or an LC oscillation circuit is used as the pulse source, the pulse interval can be easily adjusted by changing the values of C (capacitor), R (resistance), and L (coil).

[Correct time information]
The timekeeping control means 3a, 12a confirmed the timekeeping speeds of their timekeeping units 125, 37 by the above method during the period from the (N-1) th timekeeping information to the Nth timekeeping information, When it is determined that the specific condition is satisfied, the time information of the own clock units 125 and 37 is corrected during the period from the Nth time information until the (N + 1) th time information is received. be able to.

  As described above, when the timing information transmitted from the timing information source devices 2 and 4 is the timing information or the time information, on the other hand, when the target to be corrected by the timing control means 3a and 12a is the timing information. However, even in the case of time information, the timekeeping speeds of the timekeeping units 125 and 37 are appropriately corrected according to the difference from the timekeeping speeds of the timekeeping information source devices 2 and 4 by using the method as described above. Is possible.

[Specific output 2 (Warning of deviation in timing accuracy and photographing permission)]
In this case, when it is determined that the specific condition is satisfied, the control units 31 and 121 operate as follows, for example.
・ Notify the user that the timing information has not been corrected for a specified period of time ・ Notify that shooting is not permitted ・ Do not allow shooting ・ Cancel shooting or allow the user to select ・ Cancel shooting

The notification can be performed by display on the display unit, light emission, sound, vibration, or the like.
When not permitting or canceling imaging, control is performed such that transmission of a control signal from the radiation control unit 121 to the high voltage generation unit 122 is not performed, or a signal instructing cancellation is transmitted.
When the user makes a selection, for example, an option is displayed on the display unit so that the user operates based on the operation of the operation unit.
Note that at least one of the operations such as canceling the notification shooting may be performed together.
In addition, after the shooting is stopped, the timing information of the shooting side timing unit 37 may be corrected based on the timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4.

  In a general radiographic system, the time measurement information of the second time measuring means is corrected each time time information is periodically transmitted from the first time measuring means linked to the radiation irradiation apparatus to the second time measuring means, and the radiation irradiation apparatus Some devices can be synchronized with the radiation imaging apparatus.

The radiographic image capturing apparatus performs an operation for accumulating charges generated mainly by irradiation of radiation in the image receiving unit, an operation for reading and transferring the accumulated charges, and an operation for initializing the image receiving unit when performing serial imaging. Repeat the operation.
For example, by correcting the timing information of the timing means, the length of the accumulation period for accumulating charges in the pixels for capturing a specific frame image is different from the accumulation period for capturing other consecutive frame images. There is a case. Then, the image receiving unit varies the amount of charge accumulated by the difference in the length of the period.
For example, in the case where a specific frame image is captured when the time period information of the specific frame image is longer than the time period when the specific frame image is captured because the timing information of the timing unit is corrected, The image receiving unit receives an image longer than the accumulation period in photographing other consecutive frame images. In other words, the image receiving unit accumulates electric charge longer than the accumulation period in photographing other consecutive frame images.

For such a problem, by controlling the operation of the radiation irradiation apparatus so as to irradiate, for example, pulsed radiation only during a partial period within the accumulation period, each accumulation period It is possible to make the radiation dose from the radiation irradiating apparatus constant.
However, the image receiving unit generates and accumulates charges by scattered rays emitted from the outside or the subject S in addition to the radiation emitted from the radiation irradiating apparatus. In order to remove this, there is a case where a grid for removing the scattered radiation is arranged between the subject S and the image receiving unit, but the scattered radiation cannot be completely removed. That is, even if the operation of the radiation irradiation apparatus is controlled so as to irradiate radiation only during a part of the accumulation period, it is not possible to stop the image reception by scattered radiation, that is, the accumulation of electric charges. For this reason, when the time of the time measuring means is changed, the time of the time measuring means differs if the length of the accumulation period in capturing a specific frame image is different from the storage period in capturing other consecutive frame images. Only the shooting of the specific frame image in which is changed will result in an image receiving that is affected by scattered rays of a degree different from the shooting of other consecutive frame images.

  However, the imaging system 100 according to the present embodiment, when the first timing information is transmitted from the timing information source devices 2 and 4, the imaging device 3 (determination means) determines whether or not a specific condition is satisfied, Only when it is established, the timing information of the photographing side timing unit 37 (second timing means) is corrected. For this reason, an appropriate response can be taken only at an appropriate timing, for example, when the difference in the timing information of each timing unit is shifted so as to affect the contents (diagnosis) of the image.

[Judgment method 4 for timing accuracy]
In order for the imaging system 100 according to the above-described embodiment to perform various operations as described above, the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and a device that receives the first timing information (at least one of the control device 12 and the imaging device 3). ) Is established. For this reason, depending on the use environment of the photographing system 100, communication may not be established (the above-described various operations are not performed), and the operations of the irradiation apparatus 1 and the photographing apparatus 3 may be shifted.
Therefore, the photographing system 100 of the above embodiment may be provided with a function for detecting a shift in operation in the following manner.

Specifically, among the control device 12 and the photographing device 3, the device that receives the first timekeeping information is counted in conjunction with the photographing device 3A, as shown in FIG. A second photographing side timer unit 39A is provided.
Then, when the timekeeping control means 3a, 12a receives the first timekeeping information from the timekeeping information source devices 2, 4, it has a function of resetting the timekeeping information of the second photographing side timepiece 39A.
The reset second photographing side timing unit 39A performs counting from the initial value again.
Then, the timing control means 3a and 12a are provided with a function of determining whether or not the timing information of the second imaging side timing unit 39A exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the imaging system 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above performs imaging when there is no abnormality in the communication between the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the imaging device 3A (t0 to t1). Each time the device 3A receives the first timekeeping information, the second imaging side timekeeping unit 39A repeats resetting the timekeeping information, so that the timekeeping information does not exceed the threshold value. However, if an abnormality occurs in the communication between the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the imaging device 3A and the first timing information cannot be received from the timing information source device (t1 to t2), the imaging side timing unit 37 stores the timing information. Without correction, the second imaging side timing unit 39A continues counting without resetting the timing information. Eventually, when the timing information of the second imaging side timing unit 39A exceeds the threshold (t3), the imaging device 3A uses the timing information of the imaging side timing unit for the predetermined period, and the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 Detect that it could not be corrected by and output that fact.

At the time of output, at least one of the following operations when it is determined that the specific condition is satisfied in the above embodiment may be performed together.
・ Notify the user that the timing information has not been corrected for a specified period of time ・ Notify that shooting is not permitted ・ Do not allow shooting ・ Cancel shooting or allow the user to select ・ Cancel shooting

  Thereafter, when communication is recovered and the first timekeeping information is received, the second photographing side timekeeping unit 39A resets the timekeeping information (t4), so that the photographing system 100 performs the original operation.

If the imaging system 100 according to the above-described embodiment is configured in this way, the second imaging-side timing unit 39A cannot correct the timing information of the timing units 37 and 125 with the first timing information for a predetermined period. In such a case, it is possible to grasp that fact or to measure the length of a predetermined period.
In addition, by comparing the timing information of the second shooting side timing unit and the threshold, it is determined whether the deviation between the timing information of the first timing unit and the timing information of the shooting side timing unit is within an allowable range, Appropriate action can be taken when the value is out of the allowable range.

[Method 5 for judging timing accuracy]
In view of the problem that communication may not be established depending on the use environment of the imaging system 100 described above, and the operations of the irradiation apparatus 1 and the imaging apparatus 3 may be shifted, the imaging system 100 of the above embodiment includes You may make it provide the function which detects the shift | offset | difference of operation | movement in the following forms.

Specifically, the device that receives the first timing information among the control device 12 and the imaging device 3 includes a memory 39B instead of the second imaging side timing unit 39A as shown in FIG.
The memory 39B is configured to store the first timing information (= the timing information of the photographing side timing unit 37 after correction) when the first timing information is received from the timing information source devices 2 and 4.
Note that the storage unit 35 may have the function without providing the memory 39B.
Then, the timing control means 3a and 12a are provided with a function of determining whether or not the difference between the timing information of the photographing side timing unit 37 and the stored value of the memory 39B exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the imaging system 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above has no abnormality in communication between the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the imaging device 3B (between t0 and t1). Since the memory 39B stores the first timekeeping information every time the photographing device 3B receives the first timekeeping information, the difference between the timekeeping information in the photographing side timekeeping section 37 and the first timekeeping information in the memory 39B exceeds the threshold value. There is no. However, if an abnormality occurs in the communication between the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the imaging device 3B and the first timing information cannot be received from the timing information source devices 2 and 4 (t1 to t2), the imaging-side timing unit 37 The time information is not corrected, and the memory 39B does not update the first time information. Eventually, when the difference between the timekeeping information and the old first timekeeping information in the memory 39B exceeds the threshold, the photographing device 3B counts the timekeeping information of the photographing side timepiece for a predetermined period, as with the photographing device 3 of the present invention. It is detected that the correction cannot be made with the first timing information of the information source devices 2 and 4, and a message to that effect is output.

At the time of output, at least one of the following operations when it is determined that the specific condition is satisfied as described in the “timekeeping accuracy determination method 4” may be performed together.
Thereafter, when the communication is restored and the first timing information is received, the memory 39B updates the first timing information, so that the imaging system 100 performs the original operation.

  If the imaging system 100 according to the above-described embodiment is configured in this manner, the timing unit is not used for the predetermined period without using the second imaging-side timing unit 39A, that is, with a smaller number of timing units than in the first embodiment. When the time information 37 and 125 cannot be corrected with the first time information, this can be grasped.

So far, the imaging system 100 according to the present embodiment has been described. However, the connection configuration of the timing information source devices 2 and 4, the radiation control device 12, the console 14, the operation unit 15, and the exposure switch 15 a is described in FIG. 1. Various configurations are possible without being limited to the above configuration.
For example, the operation unit 15 may be connected only to the console 14, and the device may be configured such that a signal for an operation to the operation unit 15 enters the control device 12 via the console 14.
Further, for example, the timing information source devices 2 and 4 do not necessarily need to be connected to both the control device 12 and the console 14, and only the console 14 is connected to perform information and time correction with the console 14, and the control device 12 can also be configured to perform information and time control via the console 14.
Further, for example, the exposure switch 15 a may be directly connected to the control device 12 instead of the operation unit 15.
As described above, in the following drawings, in addition to the above description, it is possible to use a device connection configuration that does not impair the object, function, and effect described in the present invention.

<Attached technology>
Next, an embodiment of another radiation imaging system to which the present invention can be applied will be described.
Here, the same reference numerals are given to the components common to the above embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[Configuration of radiation imaging system]
First, an outline of a radiation imaging system (hereinafter referred to as imaging system 100A) of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the imaging system 100A.

As shown in FIG. 17, the imaging system 100A according to the present embodiment includes a control device 12A, a radiographic imaging device (hereinafter referred to as imaging), in addition to the tube 13, the console 14, and the timing information source devices 2 and 4 similar to those in the above embodiment. Device 3C) and the like.
The control device 12, the console 14, and the photographing device 3C can communicate with each other via the time information source devices 2 and 4.
Details of the control device 12 and the photographing device 3C will be described later.

FIG. 17 illustrates the case where the timekeeping information source devices 2 and 4 and the irradiation device 1 and the timekeeping information source devices 2 and 4 and the photographing device 3 perform wireless communication together as the photographing system 100A. Similarly to the above embodiment, the imaging system 100 is configured so that at least one of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the irradiation device 1 and at least one of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the imaging device 3 communicates wirelessly. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the time information source devices 2 and 4 and the irradiation device 1 may be connected in a wired manner.
In this way, since the synchronization accuracy between the control device 12 and the timing information source devices 2 and 4 can be maintained in a sufficiently high state, the control device 12 does not need to have an operation mode switching function. The control device 12 can be manufactured at a low cost.
It is also possible to change the IF of the imaging device 3C from wireless communication to wired communication, and to connect the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the imaging device 3C with a dedicated line.
In this way, it is not necessary to provide the photographing apparatus 3C with a function for switching the operation mode.

[Configuration of radiation imaging equipment]
Next, a specific configuration of the photographing apparatus 3C included in the photographing system 100A will be described. FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a specific configuration of the imaging device 3C.

  The imaging device 3C has a configuration close to that of the imaging device 3A of the above embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 18, the imaging control unit 31A, the radiation detection unit 32, the scanning drive unit 33, the reading unit 34, the storage unit 35, the communication unit 36, the battery 38, and the imaging side timing unit similar to the above embodiment. In addition to 37A, a second imaging side timer 39C is provided.

The second photographing side timing unit 39C has the same timing operation as that of the photographing side timing unit 37A, and starts timing when the power is turned on or a predetermined control signal is received from the outside. The time information is generated.
The output from the second imaging side time measuring unit 39C may be timing information such as pulses at regular intervals, time such as year, month, day, hour, minute, second, or count up at regular intervals from a certain point in time. Time information such as a count number may be used.
In recent years, there is also a wireless LAN chip equipped with a time synchronization function (Timing Synchronization Function, hereinafter referred to as TSF) defined in the IEEE 802.11 communication standard, which will be described later, and having the timer function described above. Therefore, it is possible to use such a wireless LAN chip as the irradiation side timing unit 125.

However, the photographing side timing unit 37A and the second photographing side timing unit 39C of this embodiment are partially different from the photographing side timing unit 37 and the second photographing side timing unit 39A of the above embodiment.
Specifically, in the imaging control unit 31 of the above embodiment, the imaging side timing unit 37A corrects the timing information only when a specific condition is satisfied, whereas the imaging control unit 31 of the present embodiment Each time the imaging control unit 31A receives the first timing information from the timing information source devices 2 and 4, the imaging control unit 31A updates the timing information of the imaging side timing unit 37 to the value of the first timing information.

In addition, the second shooting side timing unit 39C of the shooting control unit 31 of the above embodiment is merely for resetting the timing information every time the first timing information is received, whereas the second shooting side timing unit 39C of the present embodiment is the second one. The photographing side timing unit 39C can set its own operation mode to the synchronous mode, and is switched to the self-running mode in some cases.
Note that switching of these operation modes will be described later.

Further, the imaging control unit 31A updates the timing information of the second imaging side timing unit 39C to the timing information of the imaging side timing unit 37A at a predetermined timing, and then continues counting. As described above, the photographing side timing unit 37 </ b> A synchronizes time with the timing information source devices 2, 4 every time it receives the first timing information from the timing information source devices 2, 4. For this reason, the second imaging side timing unit 39C also repeatedly synchronizes with the timing information source devices 2 and 4 at a predetermined cycle while operating in the synchronous mode.
In addition, when the second imaging side timing unit 39C operates in the self-running mode, the imaging control unit 31A updates the timing information of the second imaging side timing unit 39C to the timing information of the imaging side timing unit 37A. Let the count continue.

  The communication unit 36 is configured similarly to the above embodiment.

[Configuration of radiation control device]
Next, a specific configuration of the control device 12A included in the photographing system 100A will be described. FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a specific configuration of the control device 12A.

As shown in FIG. 19, the control device 12 </ b> A according to the present embodiment includes a radiation control unit 121, a high voltage generation unit 122, a storage unit 123, a communication unit 124, an irradiation side timing unit 125 similar to those in the above embodiment, The second irradiation side timing unit 126, the display unit 127, the operation unit 15 and the like are provided.
As in the above-described embodiment (as shown in FIG. 1), the operation unit 15 may be provided as the operation panel 15 separately from the control device 12A.

The second irradiation side timing unit 126 is the same as the irradiation side timing unit 125 in the timing operation itself, and starts timing when the power is turned on or a predetermined control signal is received from the outside. The time information is generated.
The output from the second irradiation side time measuring unit 126 may be timing information such as pulses at regular intervals, time such as year, month, day, hour, minute, second, or count up at regular intervals from a certain point in time. Time information such as a count number may be used.
In recent years, there is also a wireless LAN chip equipped with a time synchronization function (Timing Synchronization Function, hereinafter referred to as TSF) defined in the IEEE 802.11 communication standard, which will be described later, and having the timer function described above. Therefore, it is possible to use such a wireless LAN chip as the irradiation side timing unit 125.

  The display unit 127 is configured by a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and in accordance with an instruction of a display signal input from the radiation control unit 121, Irradiation result information (for example, results of tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, tube current irradiation time product, number of shots, incident dose, area dose, etc.), radiation images based on image data, and the like are displayed.

The operation unit 15 includes a two-stage exposure switch 12h.
The exposure switch 12h is connected to the main body of the operation panel 15 by wire.
The exposure switch 15a may be wirelessly connected to the main body of the operation unit 15.
The imaging start signal is transmitted to the tube 13 and the imaging device 3 based on the operation of the exposure switch 12h.

The radiation control unit 121 configured as described above updates the timing information of the irradiation side timing unit 125 to the value of the first timing information every time the first timing information is received from the timing information source devices 2 and 4. It has become.
Moreover, the radiation control part 121 can make the operation mode of the 2nd irradiation side time measuring part 126 into synchronous mode, and it switches to self-propelled mode depending on the case.
Note that switching of these operation modes will be described later.

Further, the radiation control unit 121 updates the timing information of the second irradiation side timing unit 126 to the timing information of the irradiation side timing unit 125 at a predetermined timing, and then continues counting. As described above, the irradiation side timing unit 125 synchronizes with the timing information source devices 2 and 4 each time the first timing information is received from the timing information source devices 2 and 4. For this reason, the second irradiation side timing unit 126 also repeatedly synchronizes with the timing information source devices 2 and 4 at a predetermined cycle while operating in the synchronous mode.
In addition, the radiation control unit 121 does not update the timing information of the second irradiation side timing unit 126 to the timing information of the irradiation side timing unit 125 when the second irradiation side timing unit 126 operates in the synchronous mode. Keep counting.

〔Mode switching〕
Next, details of the operation mode switching of the second irradiation side timing unit 126 and the second imaging side timing unit 39C performed by the radiation control unit 121 and the imaging control unit 31A (hereinafter, the control units 121 and 31A) will be described.

For example, an abnormality occurs in the timing information source devices 2 and 4, the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 is reset halfway, and the photographing side timing synchronized with the timing information source devices 2 and 4 Unit 37A, irradiation side timing unit 125 (hereinafter, timing units 37A, 125), second imaging side timing unit 39C for correcting own timing information based on the timing information of these timing units 37A, 125, and second irradiation The timing information of the side timing unit 126 (hereinafter, the second timing unit 39C, 126) may be updated in the middle. In such a case, if serial imaging in which radiation irradiation and charge accumulation are repeated a plurality of times is performed, the timing is shifted only for imaging immediately after the timing information is updated.
In view of this, the control units 121 and 31A of the present embodiment also prevent the serial imaging period from being disturbed even in such a case, so that the second irradiation side timing unit 126 and the second imaging side timing unit are used as necessary. The operation mode of 39C is switched.

The control units 121 and 31A determine whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied.
Satisfying the predetermined condition in the present embodiment means detecting an abnormality that may adversely affect the shooting timing. Specifically, for example, a predetermined event is detected during the shooting period, or shooting is performed. During the period, the time from the previous synchronization to the current synchronization (first timing information reception interval) exceeded a predetermined threshold, and during the imaging period, the second imaging side timing unit 39C and the second irradiation side timing The amount of change in the time information when the unit 126 synchronizes has exceeded a predetermined threshold, the time information has changed abruptly due to restart of the time information sources 2 and 4 during the photographing period, During the period, it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, because the reception of the first timing information has failed for a long period of time.

In addition, the establishment of the predetermined condition can be achieved by the establishment of the events listed in (1) to (3) below. These may be used alone or in combination.
(1) The number of times of reception of the first timekeeping information during the photographing period is counted, and the number of times falls below a predetermined threshold.
(2) During the shooting period, the reception interval of the first time information is repeatedly measured, and at least one of the first time information reception intervals exceeds a predetermined threshold.
(3) During the photographing period, the amount of change in the time information when the second photographing side timing unit 39C and the second irradiation side timing unit 126 are synchronized is repeatedly measured, and at least one of the variation amounts is a predetermined threshold value. Exceeded.
In particular, if (2) or (3) is used, a synchronization failure can be detected immediately.

Further, when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control units 121 and 31 are configured to switch the operation mode of the second irradiation side timing unit 126 and the second imaging side timing unit 39C to the self-running mode.
It should be noted that the control units 121 and 31 are configured to set the operation mode to the synchronous mode from when the power is turned on until it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied (default state).
In addition, when shooting is performed in the self-running mode, the control units 121 and 31 are switched (returned) to the synchronous mode when the predetermined condition is not satisfied.

Instead of switching to the self-running mode only when the predetermined condition is satisfied, it may be switched to the self-running mode over a period during which the predetermined condition may be satisfied.
As such a period, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, the period from the start to the end of photographing can be mentioned.

Examples of the shooting start trigger for determining the start of shooting include the following operations (Open-1) to (Open-8). A plurality of these can be combined.
(Open-1) User's instruction has been received through the user interface (hereinafter referred to as UI) such as the console 14, the photographing device 3, the control device 12, the operation unit 15, or the exposure switch 15a (open-2). The order is selected (Open-3) The imaging device 3 is ready to receive radiation (Open-4) The first stage of the exposure switch 15a is pressed (Open-5) The control device 12 that a signal indicating that preparation for irradiation has been completed is received from the tube 13, or that a signal indicating that preparation for irradiation is completed is received from the high voltage generator 122 (Open-6). That the second stage of the switch 15a has been pressed (Open-7) that the control device 12 has received a signal from the tube 13 that radiation irradiation for the first frame imaging has been started, or the control unit 121 has High voltage generator 22 1 that has received the signal indicative of the start of radiation irradiation for th frame shooting (Open -8) above (open -1) to the predetermined time from the shooting start trigger generation of (open -7) has elapsed

In addition, as the shooting end trigger for determining the end of shooting, the following operations (end-1) to (end-9) can be cited. A plurality of these can also be combined.
(End-1) The user's instruction has been received through a UI such as the console 14, the imaging device 3, the control device 12, the operation unit 15, or the exposure switch 15a (End-2). That the signal indicating that the radiation irradiation for photographing the image has been received has been received, or that the control unit 121 has received the signal indicating that the radiation irradiation for photographing the final frame from the high voltage generating unit 122 has been completed ( End-3) Processing of the last frame is completed in the imaging device 3 or the control device 12 (End-4) Reading of the final frame is completed in the imaging device 3 (End-5) The second stage of the exposure switch 15a is released. (End-6) The first stage of the exposure switch 15a has been released (End-7) An error has occurred in which shooting cannot be continued (End-8) The next shooting order is selected on the console 14 And (final -9) above (final -1) to a predetermined time period from the photographing end trigger generation of (final -8) has elapsed

  When performing serial shooting or still image shooting with a short shooting time, an error in the frequency of the oscillators of the shooting device 3 and the control device 12 even during the shooting period even when the self-running mode is switched before the predetermined condition is satisfied. Deviations in exposure / accumulation timing due to may fall within the required accuracy. Therefore, in this way, it is possible to simplify the processing in the control units 121 and 31 in the photographing system 100 that performs only serial photographing and still image photographing with a short photographing time, and the photographing system 100 can be developed at low cost. It can be done in a short time.

  However, the shorter the period of operation in the self-running mode, the less likely that the imaging device 3 and the control device 12 will be displaced. For this reason, it is preferable to switch to the self-running mode at a timing closer to the start of radiation irradiation. For example, when the first stage of the exposure switch listed in (Open-4) is pressed as a shooting start trigger for determining that shooting is started, the period from the first stage press to the second stage press Since the period of operation in the self-running mode becomes longer as the time becomes longer, it is preferable to use (open-5) to (open-7) as a trigger rather than (open-4).

However, depending on the specifications of the tube 13 and the high voltage generator 122 and the system configuration, it may be necessary to modify the apparatus and wiring in order to use a preferable shooting start trigger. For this reason, it is desirable from the viewpoint of suppressing development costs to determine a shooting start trigger to be adopted according to the apparatus and system configuration.
If the period for operating in the free-running mode becomes longer due to the limited shooting start trigger to be adopted, the timing for switching to the free-running mode is set by using the above (Open-8) as the shooting start trigger. Can approach the start of radiation irradiation. )

Further, as described in (Open-1) and (End-1) above, if the operation mode can be switched at the user's will, deterioration of the radio wave state due to the arrangement of the photographing device 3 or the simultaneous use device If the user can recognize that the synchronization accuracy with the reference time may be reduced due to radio interference with the signal, avoid the decrease in synchronization accuracy by manually switching the operation mode on the spot. Can do.
In this case, if the current operation mode can be displayed on the display unit 127, the console 14, the operation unit 15, the display unit (not shown) of the photographing apparatus 3, etc., the usability of the system 100 is improved and the user is unnecessary. It is possible to prevent a simple switching operation.

  In addition, the imaging system 100 includes a plurality of timing information source devices 2 and 4, and by moving the imaging device 3 and the control device 12, the timing information source devices 2 and 4 (n) that are currently connected can be used for other timings. When the radio wave condition with the information source devices 2 and 4 (n + 1) is improved, the connection destination is switched to the timing information source devices 2 and 4 (n + 1) (the wireless LAN roaming operation is performed). When the connection destination is switched, the reference time is changed, and the exposure and the readout timing are not matched, and photographing fails. In order to avoid this, even when the timing information source devices 2 and 4 connected during the photographing period are changed, it is preferable to switch to the self-running mode and return to the synchronous mode after the photographing is completed.

  Heretofore, the imaging system 100 having the operation mode switching function in both the control device 12 and the imaging device 3 has been described as an example. However, these functions are provided in at least one of the control device 12 and the imaging device 3. It only has to be.

[Flow of serial shooting]
Next, a flow of serial photographing using the photographing system 100 of the present embodiment capable of switching the operation mode as described above will be described. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the operation of the imaging system 100 of the present embodiment.
Here, the case where the shooting conditions are the connection mode of the shooting device 3: wireless, shooting mode: serial shooting, and frame rate: 15 fps will be described as an example. is there.

When the user selects an imaging condition on the console 14, the console 14 transmits the imaging condition to the imaging device 3 via the wired communication network, the time information source devices 2 and 4, and wirelessly, and also transmits the imaging condition to the control device 12. Condition and radiation irradiation condition (tube current, tube voltage, irradiation time) ". Here, the irradiation time is an irradiation time per pulse in the pulse irradiation.
When receiving the imaging conditions and the irradiation conditions, the imaging device 3 and the control device 12 store the imaging conditions and the irradiation conditions in the respective storage units 35 and 123, and start processing for performing wireless serial imaging.

(Procedure 1)
Then, the control device 12 sets the received irradiation condition in the high voltage generation unit 122 via the control unit 121. In addition, the system configuration may be such that the user can input the irradiation condition from the operation unit 15, and in this configuration, the control device 12 converts the irradiation condition input from the operation unit 15 into the high voltage generation unit 122 via the control unit 121. Set to. When the control device 12 receives a new irradiation condition from the console 14 at a stage before the first stage of the exposure switch 15a is pressed or a stage before the second stage is pressed, the control device 12 Irradiation conditions are set in the high voltage generator 122 via 121. The same applies to a system configuration in which the user can input irradiation conditions from the operation unit 15. Usually, the irradiation conditions are finely adjusted according to the patient's physique, but by doing so, the degree of freedom in the operation sequence is increased and the usability is improved.

(Procedure 2)
Then, the imaging control unit 31 and the radiation control unit 121 set the operation modes of the second timing units 39 and 126 to the synchronous mode, respectively.

(Procedure 3)
Further, the timing information source devices 2 and 4 periodically transmit the first timing information to the imaging device 3 and the control device 12 (every 100 ms as standard). At that time, the timing information source devices 2 and 4 transmit the first timing information at that time to the imaging device 3 and the control device 12.
At this time, when wireless communication is established between the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the imaging device 3 and the control device 12, the imaging device 3 and the control device 12 are connected to the timing information source devices 2 and 4, respectively. The first timekeeping information is received, the own timekeeping units 37 and 125 are updated, and the counting is continued.

(Procedure 4)
In addition, the photographing device 3 and the control device 12 determine whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, that is, whether or not their timekeeping units 37 and 125 are synchronized with the timekeeping information source devices 2 and 4 with a required accuracy. Continue to determine. In this way, the reason for determining whether synchronization is possible in advance is that, if the synchronization accuracy is reduced during the imaging period, the radiation irradiation timing and the image data readout timing are shifted, causing imaging failure. .

(Procedure 5)
Moreover, the imaging device 3 and the control device 12 share each determination result by periodically transmitting each other. By doing so, the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 cannot be received from the timing information source devices 2 and 4 for a long period of time, or the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 is changed due to the restart of the timing information source devices 2 and 4. In the case of a large change, this can be detected immediately.

(Procedure 6)
When the control unit 121 of the control device 12 detects the second press of the exposure switch 15a (receives an imaging start signal), the control unit 121 transmits a signal to that effect to the high voltage generation unit 122 to generate a high voltage. The unit 122 shifts to a standby state waiting for a completion notification signal indicating that preparation for irradiation has been completed.
When the high voltage generator 122 receives the imaging start signal, the high voltage generator 122 starts preparation for irradiation. Specifically, the voltage and current to be output to the tube 13 are prepared, and the rotation start instruction of the rotating anode to the tube 13 is performed.
When the rotating anode reaches a predetermined rotation speed, the tube 13 transmits a preparation completion notification signal to the high voltage generator 122. When the irradiation preparation is completed, the high voltage generation unit 122 transmits a completion notification signal indicating that the irradiation preparation is completed to the control unit 121.
When receiving the irradiation preparation completion notification signal, the control unit 121 transmits a command for notifying that the preparation for irradiation of radiation has been completed to the imaging apparatus 3 via the communication unit 124.

(Procedure 7)
When the imaging device 3 receives the command, the imaging device 3 transitions to a state where imaging is possible.
Thereafter, the imaging device 3 and the control device 12 wait for the second timing units 39 and 126 to update the respective timing information to the timing information of the timing units 37 and 125.
Here, if the update of the timing information is not completed within a predetermined time, the console 14 or the like is notified that the synchronization has failed, and the display unit or the like (not shown) of the console 14 displays that the synchronization has failed. Alternatively, a display that prompts troubleshooting such as restart of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and confirmation of the network setting, or a display that prompts photographing by wire may be performed. As a result, it is possible to recover from an abnormality early.

When the update of both the timing information of the second timing units 39 and 126 is completed, the imaging device 3 adds the imaging sequence start waiting time stored in the storage unit 35 to the timing information of the second timing unit 39 at the time of completion. The imaging sequence start time is calculated, stored in the storage unit 35, and transmitted to the control device 12.
The shooting sequence start waiting time is determined in advance based on the expected communication delay time. If the shooting sequence start time transmission is delayed by setting it above the maximum delay time expected In addition, it is possible to avoid a situation in which shooting fails because the shooting sequence start time has already passed when the control device 12 receives the shooting sequence start time.
In the above configuration, the imaging device 3 transmits the imaging sequence start time to the control device 12. However, the control device 12 is stored in the storage unit 123 in the timing information of the second timing unit 126 when both the updates are completed. The imaging sequence start time obtained by adding the imaging sequence start waiting time may be calculated and stored in the storage unit 126 and transmitted to the imaging apparatus 3.

(Procedure 8)
The imaging device 3 and the control device 12 continue to determine whether or not synchronization is achieved even after the synchronization is completed.
In addition, the imaging device 3 and the control device 12 may transmit the last of serial imaging from the time when the synchronization of the imaging device 3 and the control device 12 is completed after the irradiation preparation completion notification signal is transmitted from the high voltage generation unit 122 to the control unit 121. When it is detected that synchronization has failed during the period until the start of frame reading, the second timers 39 and 126 are operated in the free-running mode for at least the period from the time point until the start of reading the last frame of serial imaging. After that, return to synchronous mode. When it is detected that the synchronization has failed, the second timing unit 39 is switched to the self-running mode before updating the timing information of the second timing units 39 and 126 to the timing information of the timing units 37 and 125. , 126 can be prevented from being set to abnormal values.

(Procedure 9)
Further, when receiving the imaging sequence start time from the imaging device 3, the control device 12 stores it in the storage unit 123. Then, the exposure start time of each frame is generated based on the stored imaging sequence start time and frame rate (15 fps or the like).
As a specific method of generating the exposure start time, for example, the imaging sequence start time is set as the exposure start time of the first frame, and the imaging period (= 1 / frame rate) is cumulatively added to the second and subsequent frames. In this case, the exposure start time of the Nth frame = shooting sequence start time + (frame number N−1) × shooting cycle.
The exposure start time may be generated in advance and stored in the storage unit 123 so that it can be referred to whenever an exposure start instruction for each frame is received later, or the exposure start of the previous frame is started. The imaging cycle may be added to the time and generated every time an exposure start instruction for each frame is received. If the latter is used, the capacity of the storage unit 123 can be reduced, and it becomes easy to cope with the case where the number of frames per one shot varies.

(Procedure 10)
In addition, the control unit 121 transmits a signal instructing the high voltage generation unit 122 to start exposure of each frame every time the timing information of the second irradiation side timing unit 126 matches the exposure start time of each frame. .
The high voltage generation unit 122 performs control for irradiating the tube 13 with the radiation R for a preset irradiation time each time an exposure start instruction signal is received. That is, the control device 12 causes the tube 13 to irradiate the radiation R when the timing information of the second irradiation side timing unit 126 becomes the first predetermined value.

(Procedure 11)
Further, the control unit 121 notifies the stop from the high voltage generation unit 122 when the second stage of the exposure switch 15a is released and the number of frames taken reaches the maximum number of frames stored in the storage unit 123, for example. When a photographing end event such as a stop notification received from the photographing apparatus 3 is detected, a command for notifying the photographing end is transmitted to the photographing apparatus 3 via the communication unit 124, and a new exposure is performed in the photographing. The start instruction is not transmitted to the high voltage generator 122. That is, the shooting is finished.
For the maximum number of frames, a fixed value may be stored in the storage unit 123, or a value input through the console 14 may be transmitted to the control device 12 and stored in the storage unit 123.

(Procedure 12)
In addition, the imaging device 3 generates a readout start time for each frame based on the imaging sequence start time, the frame rate, and the accumulation time per frame stored in the storage unit 123.
The accumulation time is set to be longer than the irradiation time per frame in order to avoid exposure during reading.
A specific method for generating the readout start time is, for example, that an imaging sequence start time + 1 accumulation time per frame is set as the readout start time of the first frame, and the imaging cycle (= 1 / frame rate) is set for the second and subsequent frames. Cumulative addition. In this case, the exposure start time of the Nth frame = shooting sequence start time + 1 accumulation time per frame + (frame number N−1) × shooting cycle.
Note that a plurality of readout start times may be generated in advance and stored in the storage unit 123 so that they can be referred to each time readout processing of each frame is performed. May be added each time a frame is read out. In the latter case, the capacity of the storage unit 123 can be reduced, and it is easy to cope with the case where the number of frames per shooting varies.

  In this manner, the photographing apparatus 3 generates the readout start time independently from the photographing sequence start time and the frame rate, and the control device 12 similarly generates the exposure start time alone, so that the photographing apparatus 3 The minimum information that should be shared with the control device 12 is only the shooting sequence start time and the frame rate, and reading is originally started due to a communication delay due to packet loss or the like between the shooting device 3 and the control device 12. It is possible to reduce the risk of imaging failure due to the arrival of the readout start time after the timing to have reached or the arrival of the exposure start time after the timing to start the exposure.

(Procedure 13)
In addition, the imaging device 3 starts reading the charges accumulated in the radiation detection unit 32 every time the second imaging side timing unit 39 matches the readout start time of each frame, and generates image data of the frame image. . That is, the imaging device 3 reads out the image data of the radiographic image based on the electric charge generated in the radiation detection unit 32 when the timing information of the second imaging side timing unit 39 becomes the second predetermined value.

(Procedure 14)
Then, for example, when the imaging device 3 receives a command for notifying the end of imaging from the control device 12 or detects an imaging end event such as the number of imaging frames reaching the maximum number of frames stored in the storage unit 35, the imaging device 3 Stop shooting.
Note that, when a shooting end event is detected during reading, it is preferable to end the shooting after reading is completed. In this way, it is possible to avoid an abnormality such that the frame image of the final frame is only a part.

  Next, various problems that may occur in the photographing systems 100, 100A, 100B, and 100A according to each embodiment of the above-described embodiments and specific examples for solving those problems will be described.

[Example 1-1]
The console 14 controls the entire image capturing system 100, that is, the operation state of each device of the image capturing system 100 and the device that transmits / receives information to / from a system other than the image capturing system 100 (whether the operation state is a normal operation state). Monitoring of the operating state such as whether it is an abnormal operating state, or a starting or ending operating state), and transmission / reception of information to / from each device of the photographing system 100 or a system other than the photographing system. This is to synchronize the devices to be performed. However, in the above embodiment, the timing information source devices 2 and 4 are connected to the control device 12 instead of the console 14, so the console 14 must perform processing such as synchronization confirmation via the control device 12. That is, the processing efficiency was low.
In view of such a problem, for example, as shown in FIG. 22, the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the console 14 may be connected. In this way, since the time information source devices 2 and 4 and the console 14 are directly connected, the console 14 can efficiently perform processing such as synchronization confirmation.

Note that the time information source devices 2 and 4 and the console 14 may be connected, and the time information source devices 2 and 4 and the control device 12 may be connected. In this way, since not only the console 14 but also the control device 12 can be synchronized with the timing information source devices 2 and 4, the control device 12 and the console 14 can be synchronized with the imaging device 3, respectively.
Moreover, when doing in this way, you may make it perform the process which confirms whether the operation timing of the control apparatus 12 and the console 14 has shifted | deviated. In this way, the control is performed when synchronization between the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the control device 12 or synchronization between the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the console 14 cannot be achieved due to a communication failure or the like. Since the operation timing of the apparatus 12 and the operation timing of the console 14 are deviated, by detecting this, it is possible to stop photographing and display a warning.

[Example 1-2]
In the above embodiment, when the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the control device 12 or the console 14 are connected by wire, since it is necessary to synchronize between them, it is necessary to connect them by a dedicated line. .

In view of such a problem, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the photographing device 3 are connected wirelessly, and the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the control device are connected. 12 may be connected wirelessly.
At that time, for example, by using the TSF defined by the communication standard of IEEE802.11, that is, by the first time information transmitted from the time information source devices 2 and 4, the time of the photographing side time measuring unit 37 of the photographing device 3 is measured. By updating the information, the timing information of both timing units can be synchronized.

  In this way, the synchronization between the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the photographing device 3 and the synchronization between the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the control device 12 should be performed using the same timing information. Is possible. For this reason, time synchronization can be performed without placing a cable around the subject S. In addition, since the timing information is updated with reference to the same first timing information, it is possible to reduce a shift in operation between the control device 12 and the photographing device 3 and to compensate for a synchronization shift with other devices. No additional configuration is required. Furthermore, since the time information is updated using the same radio wave, the deviation can be reduced.

Instead of connecting the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the control device 12 wirelessly, the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the console 14 may be connected wirelessly and synchronized.
In addition, the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the control device 12 may be connected wirelessly, and the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the console 14 may be connected wirelessly to be synchronized.

[Example 1-3]
In the above embodiment, when the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the control device 12 are directly connected, the timing information source devices 2 and 4, the control device 12, and the arrangement of the cables connecting them are restricted. There was a problem that there was.
In addition, when the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the control device 12 are directly connected, the connection distance becomes long, so that the possibility of communication failure between the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the control device 12 increases. There was a problem that.

In view of such a problem, in the above-described embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the radiation control device may be connected via the network device 5. An example of the network device 5 is HUB.
At that time, a dedicated line with a small time delay is used for the connection between the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the network device 5 and the connection between the network device 5 and the control device 12, and the time synchronization of the wired communication defined by IEEE 1588 is used. Is preferably used.

If it does in this way, the restrictions at the time of time-measurement information source device 2,4, the control apparatus 12, and a cable can be reduced.
Further, by connecting via the network device 5, it is possible to prevent the communication signal from being deteriorated by wiring over a long distance without interposing the device in the middle, and it is possible to improve the reliability of communication. Become.

[Example 1-4]
In the above-described embodiment, when synchronization is performed using an external signal using the time measurement information, there is a problem in that it cannot be determined whether or not synchronization is established on the photographing apparatus 3 side. Specifically, when radio communication cannot be performed due to radio wave interference or the like, even if it is possible to grasp that there is a possibility that the photographing device 3 is out of synchronization, it cannot be transmitted to the control device 12. Irradiation could not be stopped.

In view of such a problem, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, the timing information source devices 2 and 4 are built in the imaging device 3, and the first timing information is transmitted from the imaging device 3 to the control device 12. By doing so, you may make it synchronize.
In this case, it is preferable to provide a timing unit in the control device 12 so that the control device 12 is synchronized.
In this way, when there is a possibility that the synchronization is not achieved for a certain period of time and the operation may be shifted, the control device 12 can grasp that fact, so that wireless communication with the imaging device 3 cannot be performed. Even in this case, it is possible to stop the irradiation.
Moreover, since it is not necessary to go through the timing information source devices 2 and 4 in the middle, it is possible to reduce the risk that the timing information source devices 2 and 4 are abnormal and communication is delayed.

[Example 1-5]
In the above embodiment, the radiation apparatus 12 that does not support radio communication has a problem that time synchronization using radio cannot be performed.
In view of such a problem, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, a communication module 16 capable of receiving radio waves from the time measuring information source devices 2 and 4 is connected to the control device 12, and time keeping is performed. The reference time from the information source devices 2 and 4 may be received via the communication module 16.
The connection between the communication module 16 and the control device 12 is preferably performed using a dedicated line with little time delay and using time synchronization of wired communication defined by IEEE 1588.

In this way, even a radiation control device that does not support wireless communication can perform time synchronization using wireless.
Further, since the communication module 16 performs only reception, no radio signal is emitted from the communication module 16 or the irradiation device 1. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the risk of occurrence of problems due to the emission of radio signals.
In addition, when it is not necessary to consider the problem of radio signal emission from the communication module 16 or the irradiation device 1, it is not hindered that the communication module has a transmission function.

[Example 1-6]
In the above embodiment, when it is desired to compare a captured still image or dynamic image with a measurement result or captured image by another device, the image capturing system 100 and other devices are used to ensure that the images are captured at the same timing. Need to be synchronized. For example, when performing shooting synchronized with the heartbeat, it is necessary to perform shooting at the same timing as the heartbeat, extract images at the timing with heartbeat from the continuous shooting, or continuous shooting And heart rate data must be associated with each other, and the time must be synchronized.

In view of such a problem, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, the photographing system 100 and the other devices 6 are the same as the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the control device 12 or the photographing device 3. You may connect by a communication means and you may make it synchronize based on the 1st time information from the time information source apparatuses 2 and 4. FIG.
In this way, it is possible to perform shooting in synchronization with the other device 5. For example, by connecting a heart rate monitor as another device 5 and performing timely timing control, storing and displaying the timing, shooting is performed in synchronization with the heartbeat, and the captured dynamic image is captured at any timing of the heartbeat. It is possible to make a diagnosis by confirming whether the image has been processed.
Examples of the other device 5 are not limited to the above-described heartbeat, but include various devices according to the subject to be photographed, such as a breathing state measuring instrument such as a spirometer, a mutation sensor or an acceleration sensor for measuring movement. Can be used.
Note that any or all of the other device 5, the control device 12, and the imaging device 3 may be provided with means for storing time information.
Further, by storing time information, information measured or photographed at the same time can be arranged or extracted from the time information and output.

[Example 1-7]
In the above embodiment, since the communication unit that transmits and receives timing information for synchronization also transmits and receives data, there is a limit to the amount of data that can be transmitted and received, the transmission and reception speed is limited, transmission and reception of data is delayed, There was a problem that it disappeared during transmission and reception.

In view of such a problem, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the control device 12 may be connected by a plurality of different communication means.
For example, the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the control device 12 are connected wirelessly to transmit and receive the timing information for synchronizing the time of both timing means, and the timing information source devices 2 and 4 And the control device 12 are also connected by wire (such as Ethernet), and information other than time synchronization (for example, radiation irradiation conditions and radiation irradiation period) is transmitted and received by wire.

In this way, the communication means for time synchronization and the communication means for information transmission / reception can be separated, so that transmission / reception of information and time synchronization can be performed without causing delay or loss of information transmission / reception. Can be realized at the same time.
Also, it is possible to select communication means suitable for time synchronization and information transmission / reception.

[Example 1-8]
In the above-described embodiment, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 29, the imaging device 3D may include a second imaging-side time measuring unit 39D that is different from the above-described embodiment. The second imaging side time measuring unit 39D can be configured using, for example, a radio clock, GPS, NTP, or the like. When a radio clock or GPS is used, an antenna for receiving radio waves may be provided.
Then, by comparing the timing information of the imaging side timing unit 37 with the timing information of the second imaging side timing unit 39D at a suitable timing, the deviation of the timing information of the imaging side timing unit 37 and the second imaging side timing unit 39D. Be detected.

In this way, as shown in FIG. 30, communication between the timing information source devices 2, 4 and the imaging device 3 is interrupted, and the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2, 4 and the imaging side timing unit 37 Even if the deviation from the second timing information gradually increases, it is possible to detect the occurrence of the deviation by comparing the timing information of the imaging side timing unit 37 with the timing information of the second imaging side timing unit 39D. .
It is also possible to grasp whether the accuracy of time synchronization is sufficient or not by calculating the difference (deviation amount) between the timing information of both timing units and comparing it with a predetermined value and determining that it exceeds the predetermined value. Can do. When the amount of deviation exceeds a predetermined value, as in the above-described embodiment, an output for notifying that the amount of deviation exceeds the predetermined value, notifying that shooting is not permitted, or stopping shooting, etc. Should be done.

  Note that FIG. 30 illustrates the case where the second photographing side timing unit 39D detects a shift only during the synchronization failure period in which the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the photographing device 3 are not synchronized. Not only the period but also the synchronization period synchronized with the timing information source devices 2 and 4 may be used to detect the deviation by the second imaging side timing unit 39D.

[Example 1-9]
In the first to eighth embodiments, the shooting control unit 31 updates the timing information of the shooting-side timing unit 37 to the timing information of the second shooting-side timing unit 39D, or takes the timing information of the second shooting-side timing unit 39D. You may make it perform control which updates to the time information of the side time measuring part 37. FIG.
In this way, as shown in FIG. 31, during the period in which the timekeeping information source devices 2 and 4 and the photographing device 3 are communicating, the photographing device 3 is connected to the timing information source devices 2 and 4. Even after the timekeeping information of the photographing side timekeeping unit 37 is periodically updated using the one piece of timekeeping information, and the synchronization between the timekeeping information source devices 2 and 4 and the photographing device 3 becomes impossible in the middle, the second photographing side timekeeping is performed. The timing information of the photographing side timing unit 37 is periodically updated using the timing information of the unit 39D.
For this reason, even if communication between the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the photographing device 3 is interrupted, it becomes possible to continue time synchronization with the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and to continue photographing. .

  FIG. 31 exemplifies a case where the timing information of the imaging side timing unit 37 is updated by the second imaging side timing unit 39D only during a period when communication between the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the imaging device 3 is interrupted. However, even in a period in which the timing information source devices 2 and 4 are synchronized, the timing information of the imaging side timing unit 37 by the second imaging side timing unit 39D may be updated.

[Example 1-10]
In Examples 1-8 and 1-9 described above, a measurement unit that measures the reliability of communication between the second imaging side timer unit 39D and the outside may be provided.
For example, when the second photographing side time measuring unit 39D is a system using a radio wave such as a radio clock or GPS, a device for measuring the intensity of the radio wave is arranged as a measurement unit.
Then, the photographing control unit 31 determines that the reliability of communication cannot be secured when the control by the apparatus periodically compares the measured value with the predetermined value, or when the measured value falls below the predetermined value. The output of notifying that the reliability of the third time measuring means is reduced, notifying that photographing is not permitted, or stopping photographing is performed.
In this way, it is possible to prevent the subject S from being unnecessarily exposed by performing erroneous imaging while the communication reliability of the second imaging side timing unit 39D is lowered.

[Example 1-11]
In the above embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 32, the timing information is updated only before the shooting period starts (shift from the standby state to execution), and the timing information is not updated during the shooting period. You may make it only monitor the difference (deviation amount) between the 1st time information of the information source devices 2 and 4, and the time information of the imaging | photography side time measuring part 37. FIG.
The timing for monitoring is the time synchronization timing between the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the imaging device 3 (the transmission timing of the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4), the predetermined timing in the imaging side timing unit 37, and the like. do it.

Note that monitoring may be started at both the time synchronization timing of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the predetermined timing of the imaging device 3. In this way, even if any of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the photographing side timing unit 37 is defective, it is possible to monitor the deviation amount.
In addition, when the second imaging side timing unit 39D as described in the above Examples 1-9 to 1-11 is provided, the timing information of the imaging side timing unit 37 and the timing information of the second imaging side timing unit 39D The difference may be monitored. In that case, the shift amount may be monitored at a predetermined timing in the second photographing side time measuring unit 39D.

[Example 1-12]
In the above-described embodiment, the communication unit 36 or the imaging control unit 31 of the imaging apparatus 3 may have a monitoring function for monitoring whether or not communication is normally established.
When the photographing control unit 31 or the communication unit 36 having such a monitoring function detects that the communication is disconnected, it determines that the communication is not normally established, and communicates to the user. Output such as notifying that the connection is cut off, notifying that shooting is not permitted, or stopping shooting is performed.
In this way, it is possible to prevent the subject S from being unnecessarily exposed by performing erroneous imaging while maintaining a state in which communication is normally established.

[Example 2-1]
In the above embodiment, by starting shooting without confirming whether synchronization is established before shooting, the desired shooting result cannot be obtained, and shooting fails, and re-shooting is performed. Therefore, there is a problem that the subject S is exposed to waste.

In view of such a problem, in the embodiment of the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33, time synchronization confirmation may be performed when shooting is started, such as when an exposure switch is pressed. (Step S1). As a result of the confirmation, if the time is synchronized with a desired accuracy or more (step S1: Yes), the photographing is permitted (step S2), and the photographing operation is started (step S3). On the other hand, when the time synchronization accuracy is not sufficient (step S1: No), the user is notified that synchronization is not possible, the user is notified that shooting is not permitted, or the shooting is stopped. A response is made (step S4).
Note that it is preferable to determine whether or not to notify the user or whether or not to notify that photographing is not permitted, depending on the amount of time synchronization deviation.
In this way, it is possible to prevent the subject S from being unnecessarily exposed by performing erroneous imaging in an unsynchronized state.

[Example 2-2]
In Example 2-1 described above, as shown in FIG. 34, after the operation of Step S4, the synchronization process may be performed again (Step S11), and then the operations of Steps S1 to S4 may be repeated.
Note that when the synchronization process is performed again, notification or shooting may be stopped.
Further, it is preferable to determine whether or not to notify the user or whether or not to notify that photographing is not permitted, depending on the amount of time synchronization deviation.
In this way, it is possible to more reliably prevent the subject S from being unnecessarily exposed by performing imaging in an unsynchronized state.

[Example 2-3]
In Example 2-2, as shown in FIG. 35, after the second step S4, the timing information source devices 2, 4 and the control device 12, and the timing information source devices 2, 4 and the imaging device 3 Reconnection may be performed (step S21), and then the operations of steps S1 to S4 may be repeated.
If the synchronization accuracy of the time is not enough even after disconnecting and reconnecting, notify the user that synchronization is not possible, notify the user that photography is not permitted, or cancel photography It is preferable to take measures such as
Further, it is preferable to determine whether or not to notify the user or whether or not to notify that photographing is not permitted, depending on the amount of time synchronization deviation.
In this way, it is possible to more reliably prevent the subject S from being unnecessarily exposed by performing imaging in an unsynchronized state.

[Example 2-4]
In Example 2-3, as shown in FIG. 36, after the third step S4, the timing information source devices 2 and 4 are restarted (step S31), and then the operations of steps S1 to S4 are performed. It may be repeated.
Even if the timing information source devices 2 and 4 are turned off and the timing information source devices 2 and 4 are restarted and then reconnected, if the time synchronization accuracy is not sufficient, the users can be synchronized. It is preferable to take measures such as notifying that there is no image, notifying that shooting is not permitted, or stopping shooting.
Further, it is preferable to determine whether or not to notify the user or whether or not to notify that photographing is not permitted, depending on the amount of time synchronization deviation.
In this way, it is possible to more reliably prevent the subject S from being unnecessarily exposed by performing imaging in an unsynchronized state.

[Example 2-5]
In the above embodiment, there is a problem that there is no method for instructing the synchronization process even if the user wants to perform the synchronization process at a timing desired by the user.
In view of such a problem, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 37, a specific operation button 3b is provided in the photographing apparatus 3, and the synchronization process is performed when the operation button 3b is pressed. Also good.
In this way, it is possible to synchronize the time of the photographing device 3 and the time measuring information source devices 2 and 4 at a timing desired by the user.

The synchronization process may be performed when a special operation is performed, such as when the operation button 3b is pressed for a long time or when it is pressed a plurality of times.
In this way, since other buttons originally provided can be used as the operation buttons 3b, it is possible to cope with the photographing apparatus 3 without increasing the number of buttons.

[Example 3-1]
In the above embodiment, as a result of continuing the imaging even though the operation of the irradiation device 1 and the operation of the imaging device 3 are largely deviated, the imaging fails, and the subject S is exposed to unnecessary exposure. There was a problem.
In view of such a problem, in the above embodiment, according to the difference (deviation amount) between the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the second timing information of the imaging side timing unit 37 of the imaging device 3. The user may be notified or shooting may be stopped.

Specifically, the imaging control unit 31 and the like have a function of comparing the deviation amount with a predetermined threshold value, and when the deviation amount exceeds the threshold value, a warning is displayed to the user, or radiation irradiation is performed. Stop and stop shooting.
In this way, it is possible to prevent the subject S from being unnecessarily exposed by performing imaging in an unsynchronized state.

As shown in FIG. 38, two thresholds are provided, a warning is issued when the amount of deviation exceeds the threshold 1 (lower), and shooting is stopped when the threshold 2 (higher) is exceeded. You may do it.
Even when the deviation amount exceeds the threshold value 1 for warning, the warning display may not be performed when the deviation amount tends to decrease as in the time zone in the range (2).

[Example 3-2]
In the embodiment described above in Example 3-1, the problem is that the imaging continues even though the operation of the irradiation device 1 and the operation of the imaging device 3 are greatly deviated. -1 is to notify the user or stop shooting depending on the actual amount of deviation, but predicts the future deviation and notifies the user according to the predicted deviation. The shooting may be stopped.

Specifically, in the storage unit 31, the difference (shift amount) between the shooting time (number of sheets) in the past shooting, the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4, and the second timing information of the shooting side timing unit 37. Remember the relationship.
Then, based on the relationship between the past shooting time and the amount of shift stored in the shooting control unit 31, as a prediction means for predicting the shift amount when shooting up to the number of shots set in the newly performed shooting this time. Function, function as a comparison means that compares the predicted amount of deviation with a predetermined threshold, and if the estimated amount of deviation exceeds the threshold, the image will be out of sync when shooting to the end and shooting will fail A function as an output means for performing output such as notifying that shooting is not permitted, notifying that shooting is not permitted, or stopping shooting is provided.
In this way, it is possible to perform imaging in a state where synchronization is not achieved and reduce the risk that the subject S may be unnecessarily exposed.

  As shown in FIG. 39, two threshold values are provided, and as in Case 1, when the deviation amount is predicted to exceed the threshold value 1 (lower one) but not exceed the threshold value 2 (higher one), that is, When it is determined that the shift does not greatly affect the shooting, a warning is given, and if it is predicted that the threshold value 2 will be clearly exceeded as in Case 2, that is, shooting will always fail if shooting is continued to the end. In this case, the photographer may be notified that the synchronization may be shifted to such an extent that the image is affected during the photographing period, or the photographing may be stopped.

[Example 3-3]
Even when the difference (deviation amount) between the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the second timing information of the photographing timing unit 37 exceeds a certain threshold, an image that can be used for diagnosis is displayed. May be obtained. In the above embodiment, when the deviation amount exceeds the threshold value, the user stops shooting or urges the user to stop shooting by notifying the user. There is a problem that the image is also wasted and the subject S may be unnecessarily exposed.

In view of such a problem, in the above-described embodiment, even if the deviation amount exceeds the threshold value, photographing may be continued up to the determined number, and the fact may be notified later.
Specifically, the imaging control unit 31 compares the difference (deviation amount) between the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the second timing information of the imaging side timing unit 37 with a predetermined threshold value. Give the function as.
In addition, the photographing control unit 31 is provided with a function as a notification unit that stores the fact when the deviation amount exceeds the threshold and notifies the user during or after the photographing period.
In this way, an image that can be used for diagnosis can be obtained even when the amount of deviation increases to some extent, and therefore the risk that the subject S is unnecessarily exposed can be reduced.

In addition, when the amount of deviation exceeds a threshold value, the period when the threshold value is exceeded is stored, or specific information (such as a flag) is linked to the image data of an image shot during the period when the threshold value is exceeded. You can put it. In this way, when an image is confirmed later, it is possible to identify which image was taken in a period exceeding the threshold.
Also, as shown in FIG. 40, two threshold values are provided, and as in case 1, a period in which the amount of deviation exceeds threshold value 1 (lower one) (a deviation that causes warning) occurs, and case 2 As described above, a period in which the threshold value 2 (the higher one) is exceeded (the deviation that has caused the need to stop shooting) may be stored.

[Example 4-1]
In the above embodiment, when the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the timing information of the photographing side timing unit 37 are matched at once, the timing information of the timing unit to be updated greatly fluctuates. There was a problem that the trouble which originated would occur.
For example, the timing information greatly fluctuates as the occurrence timings of a plurality of events are straddled at a stretch, and radiation exposure, charge accumulation, readout, transfer, and the like are performed simultaneously, resulting in inconveniences such that imaging cannot be performed well.

In view of such a problem, in the above-described embodiment, when it is necessary to update the timing information during the photographing period, the timing information may not be matched and synchronized but may be gradually approached.
Specifically, every time the first timing information is transmitted and received, the difference (deviation amount) between the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the second timing information of the photographing side timing unit 37 is gradually reduced. I will update it to become.
For example, as shown in FIG. 41, “little by little” may be a predetermined ratio (◯% or the like) with respect to the deviation amount, or may be a predetermined amount (equal to one minute) with respect to the deviation amount.
In this way, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem due to a large change in the time information.
On the other hand, when the amount of deviation is large, if the time difference is brought closer gradually without synchronizing as described above, the amount of deviation will be reduced to the extent that it does not affect the captured image, so it may be necessary to wait for a long time. Arise.
Therefore, control may be performed so that the amount of time change to be corrected is increased so as to decrease the amount of deviation according to the amount of deviation.

[Example 4-2]
In the above embodiment, when the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the timing information of the photographing side timing unit 37 are matched at once, the timing information of the timing unit to be updated is more than the previous timing information. There is a problem that the time is reduced (the time is returned), and a defect due to the occurrence occurs.
For example, as shown in FIG. 42 (a), after exceeding the time at which the time information is generated, the time information before the time at which the event is generated is updated, and the same event is repeated twice. There was a bug that it was. When the event is radiation irradiation, the subject S is unnecessarily exposed by repeating radiation irradiation, or only the frame taken when the radiation irradiation is repeated is irradiated twice with radiation R, and the image has a different image quality from the others. Will be generated.

In view of such a problem, in the above-described embodiment, when it is detected that the timing information of both timing units is shifted, the timing speed of at least one timing unit may be adjusted.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 42 (b), when the first timing information is transmitted and received, the timing information of the faster timing unit is decreased or the slower timing is updated without updating the timing information. By increasing the timekeeping speed of the unit, the amount of deviation at the time of subsequent transmission / reception of the first timekeeping information is adjusted so that it is not necessary to update the timekeeping information.
In this way, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem due to the fact that the timing information becomes small.

[Example 4-3]
In the example 4-2 described above, in the example 4-2, the timekeeping information is reduced, and the same event may be repeated. However, the example 4-2 changes the timekeeping speed of the timekeeping unit. As shown in FIG. 43, immediately after the occurrence of the event, an event occurrence impossible period Td for restricting the occurrence of the same type of event may be set.
In this way, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem in which the same event is repeated without changing the timing speed of the timing unit.

[Example 5-1]
In the above-described embodiment, if communication between the timing information source devices 2 and 4 (irradiation device 1) and the imaging device 3 is interrupted, it is possible to take an image even if it is possible to continue imaging. Since it was unknown whether there was any, shooting had to be stopped.

In view of such a problem, in the above-described embodiment, the number of shootable images is calculated based on the timekeeping speed and accuracy of the timekeeping information source devices 2 and 4 and the shooting side timing unit 37 until the calculated number of shootable images is reached. May continue to shoot.
Specifically, the storage unit 35 stores in advance the relationship between the factor that affects the accuracy of the vibration period of the oscillators of the irradiation apparatus 1 and the photographing apparatus 3 and the vibration period.
Further, immediately after the connection is interrupted, the difference (shift amount) between the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the second timing information of the imaging-side timing unit 37 immediately after the connection is lost. A function of predicting a change in the amount of deviation is provided based on the relationship between the first and the timekeeping speed of the photographing side timekeeping unit 37 and the factor and accuracy stored in the photographing control unit 31. As shown in FIG. 44, the change in the deviation amount may increase or decrease depending on the accuracy at that time.
In addition, based on the predicted change in the amount of deviation, the imaging control unit 31 calculates the possible imaging time required for the amount of deviation to exceed a predetermined threshold (the upper limit of the amount of deviation for irradiating radiation during the accumulation period). Have the function to do.
In addition, the shooting control unit 31 is provided with a function of calculating the number of shots that can be shot after that from the calculated available shooting time and frame rate.
In this way, even when the communication between the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the photographing device 3 is interrupted, it is possible to continue photographing until the number of images that can be photographed.

[Example 5-2]
In response to the problem that the shooting must be stopped when communication is interrupted as described in the embodiment 5-1, the embodiment 5-1 calculates the number of images that can be captured, Although the photographing is continued until the time is reached, it may be determined whether or not the photographing is continued from the required number of photographing (remaining number) and the accuracy of the oscillators of the irradiation device 1 and the photographing device 3. .
Specifically, the same parameters as in Example 5-1 are stored in the storage unit 35.
In addition, the photographing control unit 31 (having a function of calculating the number of shootable images) of the embodiment 5-1 is further provided with a function of comparing the calculated number of shootable images with the remaining number that needs to be photographed thereafter.
In addition, the photographing control unit 31 is notified that shooting is continued when the number of shootable images exceeds the remaining number, and when the number of shootable images is less than the remaining number, shooting is not possible until the end. It further has a function of performing output such as notifying that shooting is not permitted or stopping shooting.
In this way, even if the communication between the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the photographing device 3 is interrupted, the photographing can be continued if the preset number of images can be taken. .

Note that when shooting is continued, the user may be notified that shooting is to be continued because the connection is disconnected but shooting can be performed to the end.
In addition, when shooting is continued after communication is interrupted, specific information (such as a flag) may be associated with image data of an image captured during a period when communication is interrupted.

[Example 5-3]
In Example 5-1 described above, the number of images that can be shot is calculated in consideration of the temperature, that is, the temperature may be used as a factor that affects the accuracy of the oscillation period of the oscillator.
Specifically, for example, the relationship between the temperature of the oscillator of the irradiation apparatus 1 and the imaging apparatus 3 and the vibration period as illustrated in FIG. 45A is stored in the storage unit 35 in advance. The solid line in the figure is the theoretical value, and the upper and lower broken lines are the upper limit value and the lower limit value in consideration of accuracy.
Further, immediately after the connection is interrupted, the difference (shift amount) between the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the second timing information of the imaging-side timing unit 37 immediately after the connection is lost. A function of predicting a change in the amount of deviation is provided based on the relationship between the first and the timekeeping speed of the photographing side timekeeping unit 37 and the factor and accuracy stored in the photographing control unit 31.
Other functions of the imaging control unit 31 are the same as those in the embodiment 5-1.

Since the temperature of the oscillator has a greater effect on the accuracy of the oscillation period of the oscillator than other factors,
In this way, as shown in FIG. 45 (b), it is possible to predict a change in the shift amount with higher accuracy, and in turn, it is possible to calculate the number of shootable images with higher accuracy.
Note that, as in the above Example 5-2, it may be determined whether or not the photographing can be performed to the end, and if it can be performed, the photographing may be continued, and if it cannot be performed, the photographing may be interrupted.

[Example 6-1]
In the above embodiment, the synchronization may not be performed once the synchronization is established.
Specifically, the imaging control unit 31 has a function of performing time synchronization when transmitting the first timekeeping information immediately after the exposure switch is pressed.
Further, the photographing control unit 31 is provided with a function for preventing the timekeeping information of the photographing side timing unit 37 from being updated while the exposure switch is pressed after the synchronization confirmation.
In this way, since the fluctuation of the operation timing of the photographing apparatus 3 during the photographing period is eliminated, photographing can be performed stably.

Whether or not the time synchronization has been normally performed by measuring the difference between the first timekeeping information and the second timekeeping information when the next first timekeeping information is transmitted to the imaging control unit 31 after the time synchronization. Alternatively, it may be confirmed whether or not the amount of deviation after time synchronization is below a predetermined value.
In this way, it is possible to prevent the subject S from being unnecessarily exposed by performing erroneous imaging in a state where synchronization is not actually achieved.

[Example 6-2]
In the above-described embodiment, when synchronization is performed irregularly, there is a problem in that the captured image is affected by fluctuations in the operation timing of the irradiation device 1 or the imaging device 3 and causes misdiagnosis. .
In view of such a problem, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 46, synchronization may be taken during the shooting period in accordance with the shooting cycle (every frame is shot).
In this way, since synchronization is achieved at the same timing in shooting of each frame, it is possible to prevent the influence caused by synchronization of the operation timing only on a specific frame image.
The influence of the image due to the change in the operation timing is particularly prominent when the difference in the feature amount between the adjacent frame images is used for the analysis. However, the difference in the feature amount is used as described above. It can also prevent the analysis from being affected.

Note that the first timing information transmission cycle of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 may be the same as the imaging cycle, or may be set to 1 / integer of the imaging cycle.
In such a case, the transmission timing of the first timekeeping information and the synchronization timing may be shifted by a predetermined phase.

[Example 6-3]
In contrast to the problem that the captured image is affected when synchronization is performed irregularly as described in the above Example 5-1, the above Example 5-1 is synchronized every time each frame is captured. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 47, synchronization may be performed every several tens of frames.
In this way, even when serial shooting is performed for a long time, the influence on the frame image can be reduced.

In this case, it is preferable to synchronize at a timing during which the image is hardly affected during the photographing period.
For example, when performing serial imaging of the lung field, it is not the timing of inspiration or exhaustion that is of interest in the diagnosis (when the movement of the lungs is large), but the timing when the intake or exhaustion is complete (when the movement of the lungs is small) Try to synchronize.
In this way, it is possible to prevent the influence of the fluctuation of the operation timing from appearing on the image captured at the timing of interest in the diagnosis.

[Example 6-4]
In contrast to the problem that the captured image is affected when synchronization is performed irregularly as described in the above Example 5-1, the above Example 5-1 is synchronized every time each frame is captured. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 48, synchronization may be performed every time several frames are taken.
As in the case of Example 6-1 described above, if synchronization is performed for each frame, the processing takes time, and the processing may not be completed within the shooting time of the frame, which may affect the next frame. On the other hand, as in the above Example 6-2, when synchronization is performed every several tens of frames, there is a case where the deviation of the operation timing becomes too large. However, if this is done, synchronization can be achieved at appropriate intervals, so that the influence on the next frame of the synchronization processing can be eliminated, and the amount of change in timing at the time of synchronization can be reduced. Can be less affected.

In addition, after performing the process which changes the time information of a time measuring part in a certain frame, you may make it perform the process relevant to this after the following frame.
In this way, the update of time information and other processes can be performed in a distributed manner over multiple frames, and the update of time information can be reliably performed at a predetermined timing even under a load caused by other processes. It can be carried out.

[Example 6-5]
In contrast to the problem that the captured image is affected when synchronization is performed irregularly as described in the above Example 5-1, the above Example 5-1 is synchronized every time each frame is captured. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 49, synchronization may be performed at a cycle shorter than the imaging cycle (synchronization is performed a plurality of times during imaging of one frame).
In this way, it is possible to reduce the amount of change in timing when synchronizing, and to reduce the influence on the captured image.

Although illustration is omitted, synchronization may not be performed at the timing of a specific sequence in shooting one frame.
The specific sequence refers to, for example, charge accumulation, image data reading / transfer, and initialization performed by the imaging apparatus 3.
Since such a specific sequence is easily affected by the synchronization process, the influence on the photographed image can be reduced by doing so. Specifically, by avoiding synchronization at the accumulation timing, it is possible to reduce the effect on the image contrast for each captured frame, and by not synchronizing at the readout / transfer timing, noise can be achieved. The influence of can be reduced.

[Example 6-6]
In the above-described embodiment, there is a case where the captured image may be affected by the synchronization. Therefore, depending on the shooting technique and the image analysis method, the synchronization process may not be performed as long as the deviation of the operation is within an allowable range. There is a request.
In view of such a problem, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 50, the difference (deviation amount) between the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the second timing information of the photographing side timing unit 37. ) May be measured periodically, and synchronization may be established only when the amount of deviation exceeds a threshold value.
By doing so, it is possible to reduce the synchronization operation as much as possible and to reduce the risk that the captured image will be affected.

Even when the deviation amount exceeds the threshold value, synchronization may not be performed immediately while the specific sequence is being performed, but may be performed after the specific sequence is completed.
The specific sequence refers to, for example, charge accumulation, image data reading / transfer, and initialization performed by the imaging apparatus 3.
If synchronization is performed during the execution of the specific sequence, there is a possibility that the image may be affected, so that the influence on the photographed image can be reduced as much as possible.

In addition, information indicating that the synchronization processing has been performed may be associated with the frame image captured at the timing of synchronization and stored.
In this way, it is possible to confirm in which frame synchronization processing has been performed later. When the synchronization process affects the image, it is possible to determine whether the influence that appeared in the image is caused by the synchronization process or the diagnosis target by specifying the frame later It becomes possible.

[Example 7-1]
In the above embodiment, when the operations of the irradiation device 1 and the photographing device 3 are deviated, there is a problem in that the photographing image quality is affected depending on which device is used as a reference for synchronization. .
In view of such a problem, in the above-described embodiment, the operation of the irradiation device 1 may be matched with the photographing device 3 when a shift in operation is detected.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 51, the irradiation timing of the earlier radiation is delayed, or conversely, the irradiation timing that has been delayed is advanced.
When the operation of the photographing apparatus 3 is corrected, the contrast between the frame images is likely to be affected, but in this way, the influence of the contrast can be prevented from occurring.

Note that, similarly to Example 6-6, information indicating that synchronization processing has been performed may be associated with and stored in the frame image captured at the synchronization timing.
In this way, it is possible to confirm in which frame synchronization processing has been performed later. When the synchronization process affects the image, it is possible to determine whether the influence that appeared in the image is caused by the synchronization process or the diagnosis target by specifying the frame later It becomes possible.

[Example 7-2]
In response to the problem that the shooting image quality is affected depending on which of the irradiation device 1 and the photographing device 3 is used as a reference, as described in the above Example 7-1, the above-described Example In 7-1, the operation of the irradiation apparatus 1 is corrected with the imaging apparatus 3 as a reference.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 52, the accumulation timing that has been delayed is shortened by shortening the initialization timing, or conversely, the accumulation timing that has been earlier is delayed by increasing the initialization timing.

Even if it is necessary to synchronize, synchronization may not be performed immediately while the specific sequence is being performed, but may be performed after the specific sequence is completed.
The specific sequence refers to, for example, charge accumulation, image data reading / transfer, and initialization performed by the imaging apparatus 3.
If synchronization is performed during the execution of the specific sequence, there is a possibility that the image may be affected, so that the influence on the photographed image can be reduced as much as possible.

Further, as in the case of Example 7-1, information indicating that the synchronization process has been performed may be associated with the frame image captured at the synchronized timing and stored.
In this way, it is possible to confirm in which frame synchronization processing has been performed later. When the synchronization process affects the image, it is possible to determine whether the influence that appeared in the image is caused by the synchronization process or the diagnosis target by specifying the frame later It becomes possible.

[Example 7-3]
In response to the problem that the shooting image quality is affected depending on which of the irradiation device 1 and the photographing device 3 is used as a reference, as described in the above Example 7-1, the above-described Example 7-1, the operation of the irradiation apparatus 1 is corrected with the imaging apparatus 3 as a reference. However, as shown in FIG. 53, when an operation shift is detected, the operations of both the irradiation apparatus 1 and the imaging apparatus 3 are corrected. You may make it do.
If the image is affected differently when the operation of the irradiation device 1 is modified and when the operation of the photographing device 3 is modified, it is difficult to eliminate the effect on the image only by correcting either one. However, by doing so, the operation of the irradiation device and the operation of the photographing device can be modified little by little, so that the influence on each image can be reduced.

The operations on both the irradiation device 1 and the radiation detector side may be corrected based on the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4.
In this way, the time information source devices 2 and 4 connected to the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 3 are used as references, and synchronization can be stably achieved.
In addition, the timing information source devices 2 and 4 can perform time synchronization in cooperation with other external timing units by communicating with an external network using a communication standard such as IEEE 1588, for example. Therefore, more accurate timing information can be used as a reference.
In addition, the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 3 generate heat due to their operation, and may affect an oscillator or the like that serves as a reference for a built-in timing unit. However, if this is done, the timing information source devices 2 and 4 can be installed away from the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 3 and are not easily affected by the heat from them, so that they are stable. It is possible to provide a count.

Moreover, it is good also as a structure which can switch whether the operation | movement of the irradiation apparatus 1 is correct | amended, the operation | movement of the imaging device 3 is corrected, or both are corrected by imaging | photography content and imaging | photography technique. In this way, by selecting a synchronization method according to a shooting method or a shooting technique, it is possible to keep the influence on the image within a different allowable range for each shooting method or shooting technique.
Moreover, when correcting both, you may enable it to change the ratio of both correction. For example, in blood flow analysis, it is important to suppress contrast variation between adjacent frame images. Therefore, in this way, it is possible to cope with the correction by making the ratio of the correction amount on the irradiation device 1 side larger than the correction amount on the photographing device 3 side so as to suppress the contrast fluctuation.

[Example 7-4]
In response to the problem that the shooting image quality is affected depending on which of the irradiation device 1 and the photographing device 3 is used as a reference, as described in the above Example 7-1, the above-described Example In 7-1 to 7-3, the operation of at least one of the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 3 is corrected. However, if synchronization is performed while a specific sequence is performed, the image is still affected. There was a thing.
In view of such a problem, in the above-described embodiment, synchronization may not be performed at the timing of a specific sequence in shooting one frame.
The specific sequence refers to, for example, charge accumulation, image data reading / transfer, and initialization performed by the imaging apparatus 3.
If synchronization is performed during the execution of the specific sequence, there is a possibility that the image may be affected, so that the influence on the photographed image can be reduced as much as possible.

[Example 8-1]
In the above embodiment, when the imaging device 3C generates the readout start time independently from the imaging sequence start time and the frame rate, and the control device 12 similarly generates the exposure start time alone, the imaging device 3C If the frame rate switching timing is different between the control device 12 and the control device 12, the shooting fails. For example, when frame rate information is transmitted from the control device 12 to the photographing device 3C, it is conceivable that the frame rate switching timing on the photographing device 3C side is delayed due to a communication delay due to packet loss or the like.

In view of such a problem, in the above embodiment, the control device 12 and the photographing device 3C count a common frame number, and the control device 12 (or the photographing device 3C) receives an instruction to change the frame rate. At this time, the rate switching frame number and the frame rate may be transmitted to the photographing apparatus 3C.
By setting the rate switching frame number to a value obtained by adding a number larger than “assumed communication delay / frame period + 1” to the current frame number, the influence of communication delay can be avoided.
The control device 12A and the photographing device 3C switch the frame rate when the rate switching frame number is reached.
In this way, it is possible to make it difficult to delay the frame rate switching timing.

  The rate switching time may be notified instead of the rate switching frame number. However, if the rate switching time is close to the change of the frame, the switching timing may not be met depending on the synchronization accuracy of the timekeeping unit. Therefore, it is not set to the change ± α of the rate change time frame. Α is set to a value larger than the assumed synchronization accuracy at the time of shooting.

[Example 8-2]
When the readout start time is generated solely by the imaging device 3C and the exposure start time is generated by the control device 12 described in the above Example 8-1, the frame on the imaging device 3C side is caused by the communication delay. For the problem that the rate switching timing is delayed, in Example 8-1 described above, the control device 12 and the photographing device 3C count the common frame numbers, and the control device 12 receives an instruction to change the frame rate. At this time, the rate switching frame number and the frame rate are transmitted to the photographing device 3C. However, the photographing device 3C performs reading at the fastest frame rate, and the photographing device 3C reads the predetermined number of times. Shooting at a desired frame rate may be realized by performing exposure each time the image is performed.
For example, when shooting at 7.5 fps in a system with the fastest frame rate of 15 fps, the image capturing device 3C reads out an image at 15 fps, and the control device 12 causes the image capturing device 3C to read out two frames each time. Have one exposure.

In this way, a method can be used in which the readout start time is generated solely by the imaging apparatus and the exposure start time is independently generated by the radiation control apparatus, so that the minimum is required between the imaging apparatus 3C and the control apparatus 12A. The information to be shared is only the shooting sequence start time and the frame rate, and the read start time information arrives after the timing at which reading should be originally started due to communication delay or packet loss between the shooting device 3C and the control device 12A. The risk of imaging failure due to arrival of exposure start time information after the timing at which exposure should be started can be reduced.
In this case, since frame rate switching information is not necessarily exchanged between the control device 12 and the imaging device 12A as in Example 8-1 when the frame rate is switched, the frame rate is changed. Can be switched instantaneously. As a result, the user can select a necessary frame rate at a necessary timing, and usability is improved.

[Example 8-3]
In Example 8-2, the imaging device 3C has the fastest frame rate, and exposure is performed every time the imaging device 3C reads several frames. Therefore, some of the frame images generated by the imaging device 3C are not exposed. Images (hereinafter, white images) are mixed. A dynamic image mixed with a white image has a problem of poor visibility.
In view of such a problem, in Example 8-2, a white image may be excluded.
Specifically, for each frame, the average or maximum value of the signal values of pixels in a predetermined area (including all areas) in the frame is compared with a predetermined threshold value, and if it is equal to or less than the threshold value, a white image is determined. Like that. If it is determined that the image is a white image, the frame is deleted, or white image attribute information is added to the frame so that a frame image with an attribute is not displayed when displayed.
These processes may be performed by the photographing apparatus 3C or the console 14. However, if the photographing process is performed by the photographing apparatus 3C, the amount of data transmitted from the photographing apparatus 3C to the console 14 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to cause a delay between shooting and displaying the frame image on the console 14.

[Example 8-4]
In the above Example 8-3, in the above Example 8-2, the white image is mixed in the frame image to be generated. In the above Example 8-3, the pixel signal of the frame image is mixed. The frame determined to be a white image based on the value is excluded, but the frame determined to be a white image based on the frame number may be excluded.

Specifically, a unique frame number (for example, a serial number) is assigned to all frames in one series of shooting according to a rule common between the control device 12 and the imaging device 3C.
Further, the control device 12 is provided with a function of associating information indicating the presence or absence of exposure with the frame number and storing it as exposure frame information, and transmitting the exposure frame number to the imaging device 3C or the console 14.
Then, the timer time of each frame (for example, the exposure start time or end time, any one time within one frame, etc.) is stored in the photographing apparatus 3C or the console 14, and the received exposure frame number is referred to. A function is provided for deleting a frame image read without exposure or not displaying the frame image.

In addition, the control device 12 has a function of storing a timer time related to an exposed frame or an unexposed frame as information indicating the presence or absence of exposure of each frame, and transmitting the information to the imaging device 3C or the console 14. A function of storing the timer time of each frame in the photographing apparatus 3C or the console 14 and deleting the frame image read without exposure or not displaying the frame image in comparison with the received information. You may make it have.
In this way, since it is not necessary to determine a white image from the image, the processing at the photographing apparatus and the console can be lightened, and thereby the delay from the photographing to the display of the frame image on the console can be shortened.

[Example 8-5]
In the above-described embodiment, there is a demand to be able to perform exposure and reading associated with it at an arbitrary timing after shooting is started by pressing the exposure switch.
The arbitrary timing is, for example, the timing at which the tube 13 reaches a predetermined position (may be a plurality of locations) when taking an image while changing the position of the tube 13, and an announcement that prompts the subject S to breathe. In this case, there are a timing at which a predetermined announcement is made (may be a plurality of times), a timing at which the posture of the subject S becomes a predetermined posture when taking an image while changing the posture of the subject S, and the like.

In view of such a problem, in the above embodiment, after reaching an arbitrary timing, the control device 12 determines the exposure start time and the readout start time, and the irradiation start control device 12A sends the readout start time to the imaging device 3C. , The control device 12 starts exposure when the timekeeping information of the timepiece reaches the exposure start time, and the imaging device starts reading when the timekeeping information of the timepiece reaches the read start time. You may do it.
The exposure start time and the read start time are determined based on an assumed wireless communication delay.
The readout start time is set in the synchronized timing information when the arbitrary timing is reached, “the time from the current time until the photographing apparatus can start receiving and reading out the readout start time (determined in consideration of an assumed radio notification delay)” And “time necessary for preparation for exposure start of control device 12 + exposure time of one frame”, whichever is greater is set to a value.
Further, the exposure start time is set to a time that is at least “one frame exposure time” before the read start time.

By doing so, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the readout start time has already passed when the imaging apparatus 3C receives the readout start time, so that it is possible to prevent the photography from failing.
Note that the imaging device 3C may determine the exposure start time and the readout start time instead of the control device 12A.

[Example 8-6]
In the above-described embodiment 8-5, in the above-described embodiment 8-5, with respect to the problem that the exposure and the reading associated with it can be performed at an arbitrary timing after shooting is started by pressing the exposure switch. The exposure start time and the readout start time are determined by the control device 12 after reaching an arbitrary timing. However, the image capturing device 3C and the control device 12 can always capture at the fastest frame rate. The reading start time may be generated independently from the imaging sequence start time and the frame rate, and the control device 12 may also generate the exposure start time independently. In addition, the imaging device always reads out at the fastest frame rate, and the control device 12 instructs the tube 13 to start exposure when the latest exposure timing is reached after reaching the arbitrary timing.

In Example 1-5 described above, when the assumed radio notification delay is large, the time from the arrival of an arbitrary timing to the start of exposure becomes longer, the exposure cannot be performed at a desired timing, and imaging fails. In this way, the maximum delay from the arrival of an arbitrary timing to the start of exposure can be suppressed to the cycle of the fastest frame rate (for example, about 66.6 ms for 15 fps). Can prevent failure.
In this case, a white image is generated, but this problem can be avoided by applying Example 8-3 and the like.

[Example 9-1]
Since the above embodiment is an imaging method in which exposure and readout are performed in accordance with each timing information of a plurality of synchronized timing units, when a plurality of frames are continuously captured, the synchronization accuracy of the timing unit during a series of exposures If it falls, the timing of exposure and reading may not match.

In view of such a problem, in the above-described embodiment, synchronization may be performed using the timing information only when the imaging sequence is started.
Specifically, the radiation control unit 121 is provided with a function of starting the operation when the time measurement information of the second irradiation side time measuring unit 126 reaches the imaging start trigger time and performing exposure at a predetermined timing.
In addition, the photographing control unit 31 has a function of starting the operation when the timekeeping information of the second photographing side timing unit 39C reaches the photographing start time and reading out at a predetermined timing.
Note that the timing at which the imaging device 3C executes the readout sequence is determined in advance so as to be after the timing at which the control device 12A executes the exposure sequence.

  If it does in this way, as shown in FIG. 54, after the imaging device 3C starts the reading sequence control based on the timing information and the control device 12A starts the exposure sequence control based on the timing information, Exposure and readout are performed without using information. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 55, even if an abnormality occurs in the timing information source devices 2 and 4 during the imaging period and the timing information of the second timing units 39C and 126 changes, the control device 12A and the imaging device 3C can continue to operate without being affected by it.

[Example 9-2]
In the above embodiment, the imaging device 3C includes the imaging side timing unit 37 and the second imaging side timing unit 39, and the imaging side timing unit 37 does not depend on the operation mode of the second imaging side timing unit 39, and the timing information source It was made to synchronize with apparatus 2 and 4. Such a configuration is used when a general WLAN module is used.
However, by customizing the WLAN module, the photographing side timing unit 37 is stopped, and when the second photographing side timing unit 39 is in the synchronous mode, the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the second photographing side timing unit 39C are provided. And may be synchronized.
If the photographing time measuring unit 37 is not provided, the number of time measuring units to be used is reduced accordingly, so that the scale of the circuit and software can be reduced or simplified.
Here, the case where the photographing apparatus 3C is not provided with the photographing side timing unit 37 has been described, but the control apparatus 12 is configured not to include the irradiation side timing unit 125 and the second irradiation side timing unit 126 is timed. It is also possible to synchronize with the information source devices 2 and 4.

[Example 9-3]
In the above embodiment, the irradiation preparation completion notification signal is received from the high voltage generation unit 122 and the imaging sequence start time is determined. However, depending on the specification and system configuration of the high voltage generation unit 122, the irradiation preparation completion notification is performed. For signal transmission, it is necessary to renovate devices and wiring, which may increase development costs.
In view of such a problem, in the above embodiment, an alternative trigger other than the irradiation preparation completion notification may be used for determining the imaging sequence start time.
As alternative triggers, the following (1) to (3) can be considered.
(1) The first stage of the exposure switch has been pressed (2) The second stage of the exposure switch has been pressed (3) The console 14, the imaging device 3, the control device 12, the exposure switch 15a, etc. Accepting user instructions via UI

By the way, the time from when the first step of the exposure switch is pressed to when the second step is pressed varies depending on the user's operation. In addition, after the first stage of the exposure switch is pressed, in order for the high voltage generator 122 to complete the preparation for irradiation, it is necessary to complete the rotor up of the rotating anode in the tube 13. Will vary depending on the conditions. For this reason, when the above (1) is used as an alternative trigger, the time from when the first step of the exposure switch is pressed to the completion of irradiation preparation cannot be predicted, and the exposure start time and readout start time are determined. A new problem arises.
In order to deal with such a problem, it is effective to perform steps 6 to 11 as follows in the flow of serial photographing described above. Note that the flow up to step 5 and the flow after step 12 are the same as those described above. Further, supplements described in the above description are omitted.

(Procedure 6)
When the control device 12 detects the first depression of the exposure switch (receives an imaging start signal), it transmits a command to that effect to the imaging device 3.
(Procedure 7)
When the imaging device 3 receives the command, the imaging device 3 transitions to a state where imaging is possible.
Thereafter, the imaging device 3 and the control device 12 wait for the second timing units 39 and 126 to update the respective second timing information to the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4.
When the update of the timing information of the second timing units 39 and 126 is completed, the imaging device 3 adds the imaging sequence start waiting time stored in the storage unit 35 to the timing information of the second timing unit 39 at the time of completion. The sequence start time is calculated, stored in the storage unit 35, and transmitted to the control device 12.
In the above configuration, the imaging device 3 transmits the imaging sequence start time to the control device 12. However, the control device 12 is stored in the storage unit 123 in the timing information of the second timing unit 126 when both the updates are completed. The imaging sequence start time obtained by adding the imaging sequence start waiting time may be calculated and stored in the storage unit 126 and transmitted to the imaging apparatus 3.

(Procedure 8)
The imaging device 3 and the control device 12 continue to determine whether or not synchronization is achieved even after the synchronization is completed.
In addition, the imaging device 3 and the control device 12 may transmit the last of serial imaging from the time when the synchronization of the imaging device 3 and the control device 12 is completed after the irradiation preparation completion notification signal is transmitted from the high voltage generation unit 122 to the control unit 121. When it is detected that synchronization has failed during the period until the start of frame reading, the second timers 39 and 126 are operated in the free-running mode for at least the period from the time point until the start of reading the last frame of serial imaging. After that, return to synchronous mode. When it is detected that the synchronization has failed, the second timing unit 39 is switched to the self-running mode before updating the timing information of the second timing units 39 and 126 to the timing information of the timing units 37 and 125. , 126 can be prevented from being set to abnormal values.

(Procedure 9)
Further, when receiving the imaging sequence start time from the imaging device 3, the control device 12 stores it in the storage unit 123. Then, the exposure start time of each frame is generated based on the stored imaging sequence start time and frame rate (15 fps or the like).
As a specific method of generating the exposure start time, for example, the imaging sequence start time is set as the exposure start time of the first frame, and the imaging period (= 1 / frame rate) is cumulatively added to the second and subsequent frames. In this case, the exposure start time of the Nth frame = shooting sequence start time + (frame number N−1) × shooting cycle.

(Procedure 10)
In addition, the control unit 121 transmits a signal instructing the high voltage generation unit 122 to start exposure of each frame every time the timing information of the second irradiation side timing unit 126 matches the exposure start time of each frame. .
Whenever the high voltage generator 122 receives an exposure start instruction signal, the high voltage generator 122 controls the irradiation of the radiation R for the irradiation time set in advance to the tube 13 if exposure is possible. Do. That is, the control device 12 causes the tube 13 to irradiate the radiation R when the timing information of the second irradiation side timing unit 126 becomes the first predetermined value.

(Procedure 11)
The control unit 121 also notifies the stop from the high voltage generation unit 122 that the first stage of the exposure switch 15a has been released and the number of frames taken has reached the maximum number of frames stored in the storage unit 123, for example. When a photographing end event such as a stop notification received from the photographing apparatus 3 is detected, a command for notifying the photographing end is transmitted to the photographing apparatus 3 via the communication unit 124, and a new exposure is performed in the photographing. The start instruction is not transmitted to the high voltage generator 122. That is, the shooting is finished.

In addition, after the second stage of the exposure switch is pressed, in order to complete the preparation for irradiation of the high voltage generator 122, it is necessary to complete the rotor up of the rotating anode in the tube 13, but the rotor up time Varies depending on conditions. Therefore, when the above (2) is used as an alternative trigger, it is necessary to set the maximum time required for the rotor up as the time from when the second stage of the exposure switch is pressed until the preparation for irradiation is completed. Since the second stage of the exposure switch is pressed and shooting is started for a relatively long time, a new problem arises that shooting cannot be started at the intended timing (for example, at the time of maximum inspiration). End up.
In order to deal with this problem, a flow in which “first stage of exposure switch” in the description of the flow of serial imaging when (1) is used as an alternative trigger is replaced with “second stage of exposure switch”. Serial photography should be performed.

In addition, when the above (3) is used as an alternative trigger, when neither the first stage nor the second stage of the exposure switch passes through the control device 12 (when the exposure switch is directly connected to the tube 13). The user gives an instruction to start photographing via the UI such as the console 14, the photographing device 3, the control device 12, or the exposure switch. However, as in the case where the above (1) is used as an alternative trigger, the irradiation is performed from the user operation. There is a problem that the time until preparation is completed cannot be predicted and the exposure start time and readout start time cannot be determined.
In order to deal with this problem, “depression of the first exposure switch” in the description of the flow of serial imaging when the above (1) is used as a trigger is “console 14, imaging device 3, control device 12 or exposure”. The serial shooting may be performed in a flow that is replaced with “user instruction via UI such as shooting switch 15a”.

[Example 9-4]
In the above Example 9-3, there is a problem that a white image is generated until the high voltage generator 122 and the tube 13 are ready for exposure. This problem can be avoided by applying

[Example 9-5]
In contrast to the problem that a white image is generated until the high voltage generator 122 and the tube 13 are in a state that can be exposed, which is described in the above Example 9-3, In the case where the presence or absence of the white image is determined from the pixels of the frame image, but the control unit 121 can obtain information indicating that the exposure is being performed from the high voltage generation unit 122, the white image is determined based on the information. You may do it.
Specifically, the radiation control unit 121 stores the timekeeping information of the second timekeeping unit 126 at the time when exposure is first shown after reaching the imaging sequence start time in the storage unit 126, and the console 14 or the imaging device 3 has a function of transmitting.
In addition, the photographing control unit 31 is compared with the readout start time of each frame stored in the storage unit 35 and the time measurement information at the time of the first reception indicating that the frame is not exposed. Provide a function of deleting images or not displaying them when displaying frame images.
In this way, since it is not necessary to determine a white image from the pixels of the image, the processing in the photographing device 3 and the console 14 can be lightened. This also makes it difficult to cause a delay between the time when shooting is performed and the time when the frame image is displayed on the console 14.

[Example 9-6]
In contrast to the problem that a white image is generated until the high voltage generator 122 and the tube 13 are in a state that can be exposed, which is described in the above Example 9-3, The presence or absence of a white image was determined from the pixels of the frame image, but the imaging device 3 was equipped with a radiation sensor capable of measuring the radiation dose, and the measured value of the radiation sensor was determined in advance after the imaging sequence start time was reached. When the threshold value is exceeded, it is considered that the first frame has been shot, and the previous frames may be deleted or not displayed when displayed.
In this way, since it is not necessary to determine a white image from the pixels of the image, the processing in the photographing device 3 and the console 14 can be lightened. This also makes it difficult to cause a delay between the time when shooting is performed and the time when the frame image is displayed on the console 14.

[Example 9-7]
In Example 9-6, when the radiation detection accuracy of the radiation sensor satisfies the minimum cumulative dose per frame, the measurement value of the radiation sensor is read for each frame, compared with the threshold value, and the sensor value is initialized. May be prepared for the next frame.
When the radiation detection accuracy of the radiation sensor is below the minimum cumulative dose per frame, the measurement value is not initialized for each frame, and the cumulative value obtained by accumulating the doses of multiple frames is compared with the threshold value. If it exceeds, it may be considered that the exposure has started. In this way, an inexpensive radiation sensor with low radiation detection performance can be used.

[Example 9-8]
In the configuration in which the accumulated value of the doses of a plurality of frames is compared with the threshold value described in Example 9-7, the time from when the first stage of the exposure switch is pressed until the second stage is pressed is long. In this case, there is a possibility that the radiation sensor is not initialized for a long time, noise is accumulated, and it is erroneously determined that the threshold value has been exceeded.
As a countermeasure against this problem, initialization may be performed every time a predetermined time or the number of frames elapses.

[Example 9-9]
In the above embodiment, serial imaging is performed in which the number of exposure frames is equal to the number of readout frames. However, in the imaging system, a frame that is not exposed (only readout) is required before the first exposure frame. There is also a thing. For example, in order to obtain a frame image that is not exposed for the purpose of stabilizing the temperature in the photographing apparatus or for use in image processing, only a predetermined number of frames (or more) are read without being exposed. After performing the above, exposure and reading are performed.
When the above-described embodiment is applied to such an imaging system that requires a non-exposed frame, if the switching between the non-exposed frame and the exposed frame is not appropriately controlled, exposure is performed when acquiring a non-exposed frame. As a result, shooting may fail because a desired image cannot be obtained.

  In order to cope with such a problem, it is effective to change the procedures 6 to 16 in the above-described serial photographing flow to the following procedures 6 to 15. The flow up to step 5 is the same as described above. Further, supplements described in the above description are omitted.

(Procedure 6)
When the synchronization of the timer 37 and the timing information source devices 2 and 4 is completed, the imaging device 3 transitions to a state in which imaging is possible.
Thereafter, the imaging device 3 and the control device 12 wait for the second timing units 39 and 126 to update the respective second timing information to the first timing information of the timing information source devices 2 and 4.
Here, if the update of the timing information is not completed within a predetermined time, the console 14 or the like is notified that the synchronization has failed, and the display unit or the like (not shown) of the console 14 displays that the synchronization has failed. Alternatively, a display that prompts troubleshooting such as restart of the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and confirmation of the network setting, or a display that prompts photographing by wire may be performed. As a result, it is possible to recover from an abnormality early.
When the update of the timing information of both the second timing units 39 and 126 is completed, the imaging device 3 adds the imaging sequence start waiting time stored in the storage unit 35 to the timing information of the second timing unit 39 at the completion. The imaging sequence start time is calculated and stored in the storage unit 35 and transmitted to the control device 12.
In the above configuration, the imaging device 3 transmits the imaging sequence start time to the control device 12. However, the control device 12 is stored in the storage unit 123 in the timing information of the second timing unit 126 when both the updates are completed. The imaging sequence start time obtained by adding the imaging sequence start waiting time may be calculated and stored in the storage unit 126 and transmitted to the imaging apparatus 3.

(Procedure 7)
The imaging device 3 and the control device 12 continue to determine whether or not synchronization is achieved even after the synchronization is completed.
In addition, the photographing device 3 and the control device 12 are synchronized in a period from when the synchronization of both the photographing device 3 and the control device 12 that have transitioned to a photographing state is completed to the start of reading the last frame of serial photographing. When the failure is detected, the second timers 39 and 126 are operated in the free-running mode for at least the period from the time point until the start of reading of the last frame of serial imaging, and thereafter, the synchronization mode is restored.

(Procedure 8)
In addition, the imaging device 3 generates a readout start time for each frame based on the imaging sequence start time, the frame rate, and the accumulation time per frame stored in the storage unit 123.
The accumulation time is set to be longer than the irradiation time per frame in order to avoid exposure during reading.
(Procedure 9)
Further, when receiving the imaging sequence start time from the imaging device 3, the control device 12 stores it in the storage unit 123. Then, the exposure start time of each frame is generated based on the stored imaging sequence start time and frame rate (15 fps or the like).

(Procedure 10)
In addition, the imaging device 3 starts reading the charges accumulated in the radiation detection unit 32 every time the second imaging side timing unit 39 matches the readout start time of each frame, and generates image data of the frame image. . Then, when the photographing device 3 completes reading for the number of frames necessary for warm-up (or when the acquisition of the non-exposed frame image necessary for image processing is completed), the photographing device 3 notifies the control device 12 of permission for photographing. To do. Even after the exposure permission notification, the imaging device 3 starts reading out charges from the radiation detection unit 32 and generates a frame image each time the second imaging side timing unit 39 matches the readout start time of each frame.

(Procedure 11)
When the control unit 121 of the control device 12 detects the second press of the exposure switch 15a (receives an imaging start signal), the control unit 121 transmits a signal to that effect to the high voltage generation unit 122 to generate a high voltage. The unit 122 shifts to a standby state waiting for a completion notification signal indicating that preparation for irradiation has been completed.
When the high voltage generator 122 receives the imaging start signal, the high voltage generator 122 starts preparation for irradiation. Specifically, the voltage and current to be output to the tube 13 are prepared, and the rotation start instruction of the rotating anode to the tube 13 is performed.

(Procedure 12)
In addition, the control unit 121 does not instruct the high voltage generation unit 122 to start exposure until both the irradiation preparation completion notification signal from the high voltage generation unit 122 and the exposure permission notification from the imaging apparatus are received. When both are received, after the irradiation preparation completion is notified to the imaging apparatus by a communication command, each time the timing information of the second irradiation side timing unit 126 matches the exposure start time of each frame, A signal instructing the start of frame exposure is transmitted.
The high voltage generation unit 122 performs control for irradiating the tube 13 with the radiation R for a preset irradiation time each time an exposure start instruction signal is received. That is, the control device 12 causes the tube 13 to irradiate the radiation R when the timing information of the second irradiation side timing unit 126 becomes the first predetermined value.

(Procedure 13)
Further, the control unit 121 notifies the stop from the high voltage generation unit 122 when the second stage of the exposure switch 15a is released and the number of frames taken reaches the maximum number of frames stored in the storage unit 123, for example. When a photographing end event such as a stop notification received from the photographing apparatus 3 is detected, a command for notifying the photographing end is transmitted to the photographing apparatus 3 via the communication unit 124, and a new exposure is performed in the photographing. The start instruction is not transmitted to the high voltage generator 122. That is, the shooting is finished.
For the maximum number of frames, a fixed value may be stored in the storage unit 123, or a value input through the console 14 may be transmitted to the control device 12 and stored in the storage unit 123.

(Procedure 14)
In addition, after receiving the irradiation preparation completion notification signal from the control device 12, the imaging device 3 is accumulated in the radiation detection unit 32 every time the second imaging side timing unit 39 matches the readout start time of each frame. Reading of electric charges is started, and image data of a frame image is generated.

(Procedure 15)
Then, for example, when the imaging device 3 receives a command for notifying the end of imaging from the control device 12 or detects an imaging end event such as the number of imaging frames reaching the maximum number of frames stored in the storage unit 35, the imaging device 3 Stop shooting.

[Example 10-1]
In the above embodiment, the control device 12A and the photographing device 3 are connected wirelessly to perform serial photographing. However, when the connection form of the photographing device 3 is wired, the accuracy of the second photographing side timing unit 39 It is preferable to switch to a method that is less susceptible to the effects of lowering and the error in the frequency of the oscillators of the imaging device 3 and the control device 12.
Specifically, the irradiation line control device 12 generates an exposure start timing and a readout start timing for each frame, notifies the imaging device 3 of the readout start timing with a dedicated line, and at the exposure start timing for each frame. The tube 13 is instructed to start exposure.
The photographing apparatus 3 starts reading at the read start timing of each frame.

In addition, if the photographing apparatus 3 has a function of detecting the connection form and the connection with the wired cable is detected, the wired serial photographing described here is selected, and the disconnection with the wired cable is detected. You may make it select the serial imaging method mentioned above.
In this way, user operations are reduced and usability is improved.

[Example 10-2]
In the above embodiment, wireless serial imaging is performed, but the number of frames may be one. In this way, it is possible to cope with radio still image shooting with common control, and thus development costs can be suppressed by common control.
On the other hand, when radio still image shooting is performed, a method that is not easily influenced by the influence of a decrease in accuracy of the timing unit or the frequency error of the oscillators of the imaging device 3 and the control device 12 (for example, SRM imaging by AeroDR or AeroSync imaging). Etc.), more stable wireless still image shooting can be performed.
Further, if the console 14 is provided with a function of switching the photographing method instructed to the photographing device 3 and the control device 12 depending on whether the selected order is a wireless still image or a wireless serial, the operation of the user is reduced, and the usability is reduced. Tee is improved.

[Example 11-1]
By displaying the dynamic change of the radiographic image and the dynamic change of the biological information together, or analyzing the relationship between them, the state of the subject S can be grasped in more detail.
For example, when a pulse oximeter is attached to the subject S, a dynamic image of the chest of the subject S is taken to obtain information on the arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate from the pulse oximeter. From the dynamic image, pulmonary ventilation function information can be obtained. By integrating and analyzing the information of both, it is possible to evaluate temporal changes in respiratory function.
However, normally, a device for measuring biological information such as a pulse oximeter and a radiation system are separate devices and operate with their own oscillators. If each has an oscillator with a frequency tolerance of ± 100 ppm, a maximum of 720 ms per hour (60 seconds × 60 minutes × ± 0.01% = ± 360 ms, one device +360 ms, the other device -360 ms). In this case, if a dynamic image of 30 fps is taken after 1 hour has elapsed since the timekeeping information of both timepieces has been accurately adjusted, the maximum difference between the dynamic image and the biological information is about 22 frames, and the biological function is displayed in units of frames. There was a problem that it became unsuitable for analysis.

Recently, various devices are compatible with wireless LAN communication functions. Therefore, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 56, the biological measuring device 6 is connected to the timing information source devices 2 and 4, and the first timing included in the first timing information from the timing information source devices 2 and 4. Based on the information, the imaging system 100 and the biological measurement device 6 may be synchronized.
Specifically, the photographing system 100 is provided with a function of storing a timer time corresponding to each frame image in association with it. For example, the exposure start time, the exposure end time, and the read start time (time stamp) of each frame are linked.
In addition, the biological measuring device 6 is provided with a function of storing timekeeping information at the time of sampling biological information in association with each sampling value.

In this way, the image data and biological information of the radiation image are transmitted to a device that analyzes and displays the radiation image and biological information in an integrated manner, and the frame image and the sampling value of the biological information are associated with each other. By simultaneously reproducing according to the time information, it is possible to display changes in both information over time while suppressing a time lag.
In addition to the display, it is also possible to analyze what kind of biological change has occurred at the same time by using the timing information of both.

Note that it is possible to connect not only two devices, the time information source devices 2 and 4 and the biological measuring device 6, but also three or more devices.
Further, not only the wireless LAN but also IEEE 1588, NTP, a radio clock, or the like may be used for synchronization.
Further, the frequency band of the wireless LAN may be selected. In this way, for example, when the biological measurement device 6 (such as a pulse oximeter) that is desired to cooperate supports only the 2.4 GHz band WLAN, the radio LAN frequency band of the imaging system 100 is set to 2.4 GHz. It can respond by combining.
In addition, a list of other devices that may be connected to the imaging system 100 and the frequency bands to be used is stored in the console 14 or the like in advance, and the other devices are connected to the console 14 via the timing information source devices 2 and 4. At this time, the use frequency band of the imaging device 3 and the control device 12 may be changed with reference to the stored list. In this way, the user does not need to be aware of the used frequency band or perform an operation for switching, and usability is improved.

  In addition, when the TSF is used, the devices can be synchronized with an accuracy of the order of several tens to several hundreds μs. For example, when capturing a dynamic image at 30 fps, the capturing period is 33.3 ms, and the time lag can be suppressed to less than one frame. For this reason, it is possible to link the radiation frame image and the biological information sampling value on the time axis in units of frames, and display and analysis can be performed with higher accuracy.

[Example 11-2]
The above-described implementation of the problem described in Example 11-1 above, in which the biological measurement device and the radiation system are normally separate devices and operate with their own oscillators, so that time information shifts. In Example 11-1, the biological measurement device is connected to the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and can be synchronized using the TSF at that time. In some cases, the time information cannot be read using the TSF.
When such a wireless LAN module is adopted in a biological measuring instrument, it is necessary to modify or replace the wireless LAN module, or to modify the hardware, which takes a lot of development time and cost.

In such a case, it is conceivable to select a synchronization method that can be implemented in more general software such as IEEE 1588 or NTP. However, if NTP is used for radiation serial imaging exposure and readout timing control, time accuracy is improved. In some cases, shooting failed.
On the other hand, if different synchronization methods are used, such as NTP for one device and TSF for the other device, the definition of the timestamp value will be different, and the time of both results cannot be displayed or analyzed together. There was a problem.

In view of such a problem, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 57, two synchronization methods may be used together.
Specifically, since the photographing system 100 requires high-accuracy time management for its own control, synchronization is performed with a high-accuracy time synchronization method (such as WLAN TSF), and time is taken in the results of frame images and the like. When attaching a stamp, a time of a general time synchronization method is used.
On the other hand, the biological measuring device 6 (such as a pulse oximeter) that does not require high-accuracy time management for its own control uses a time of a general time synchronization method when attaching a time stamp to a result such as a heartbeat. .

  In this way, the frame image of the imaging system 100 and the sampling value of the biological measurement device 6 can be linked on the time axis without modifying the hardware of an external device such as the biological measurement device 6.

[Example 11-3]
The above-described implementation of the problem described in Example 11-1 above, in which the biological measurement device and the radiation system are normally separate devices and operate with their own oscillators, so that time information shifts. In Example 11-1, the biological measuring device is connected to the time information source devices 2 and 4,
When the biometric device to be synchronized is not determined in advance, there is a problem in that the reference time used for the time stamp cannot be determined in the imaging system because the synchronization method that can be used by the biometric device is not determined.

In view of such a problem, in the above-described embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 58, a bridge device 7 that associates a plurality of reference times may be connected in advance.
Each device (biological measuring device 6 or imaging system) attaches a time stamp to the test result at a reference time that can be used by each device.
The bridge device 7 synchronizes with, for example, TSF, NTP, and IEEE 1588, and stores a combination list of respective reference times (for example, three combinations of reference times are added to the list at 10 msec intervals).
Each modality transmits a test result with a time stamp to the bridge device, and the bridge device rewrites the time stamp to any one reference time and sends it to the console.
Each modality may send the inspection result to the console, and the console 14 may inquire the bridge device.

  In this way, it is possible to construct an imaging system in which results of a plurality of devices can be linked on the time axis even when the biological measuring device 6 to be linked is not determined in advance.

[Example 12]
In the above-described embodiment, when the frame rate can be changed, the amount of dark charge in one frame image changes when the frame rate changes. Therefore, a correction table used for image processing is set according to the frame rate. It is necessary to perform correction processing by switching.
By the way, it is desirable that the frame image read by the photographing apparatus 3 can be displayed on the console 14 with as little delay as possible. In this way, it is possible for the user to determine an abnormal posture of the subject S during the imaging period, etc. at a quick stage, and to interrupt / redo the imaging, thereby suppressing the exposure dose.
However, when the frame rate is variable, a configuration in which the imaging device 3 reads out a correction table corresponding to the frame rate from the storage unit 35 and performs correction processing is conceivable. In such a configuration, processing in the imaging device 3 is considered. There is a problem that it takes too much time and the delay in displaying the image on the console 14 increases.

In view of such a problem, in the above-described embodiment, when the image capturing device 3 associates and stores information (time stamp) that indicates the time between frame images that are temporally adjacent to each frame image. Good.
For example, the reading start time (synchronous timing information) of each frame image and the reading end time (synchronous timing information) of each frame image are stored in association with each frame image.
The photographing apparatus 3 does not perform a correction process according to the frame rate, and attaches only a time stamp to each frame image and transmits it to the console 14.
The console 14 derives a time interval between the frame images based on the received time stamp, and displays the images in order of the frame images at the derived time interval. The image displayed at this time is not subjected to image processing, but is sufficient for re-photographing determination.
After the display (or in parallel when there is a surplus in CPU processing performance), a correction table is selected according to the derived time interval between the frame images, and correction processing is performed.

  In this way, since the processing in the photographing apparatus 3 is minimized, the frame image read out by the photographing apparatus 3 can be displayed on the console 14 without delay. For this reason, the user can detect an abnormal posture of the subject S during the imaging period at an early stage, interrupt or redo the imaging, and the exposure dose of the subject S can be suppressed.

In the above-described embodiments and examples, the case where the timing information source devices 2 and 4 are connected to the control devices 12 and 2A and the console 14 has been described as an example, but the present invention is limited to this connection. Instead, only the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the radiation control devices 12 and 12A may be connected, or only the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the console 14 may be connected.
Since the irradiation device 1 is a device that irradiates radiation, the timing of radiation irradiation can be more accurately controlled by directly connecting the timing information source devices 2 and 4 and the control devices 12 and 12A.
On the other hand, since the console 14 is a device that controls the entire photographing system 100, if the timing information source devices 2, 4 and the console 14 are directly connected, the console 14 efficiently performs processing such as synchronization confirmation. Can do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100,100A Radiation imaging system 1 Radiation irradiation apparatus 12,12A Radiation control apparatus 12a Time-measurement control means 121 Radiation control part 122 High voltage generation part 123 Storage part 124 Communication part 125 Irradiation side time measurement part 126 Second irradiation side time measurement part 127 Display part 13 Radiation Tube 14 Console 15 Operation Unit, Operation Panel 15a Exposure Switch 16 Communication Module 2 Access Point (Timekeeping Information Source Device)
21 Communication unit 22 Timer 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D Imaging device 3a Timekeeping control means 3b Operation buttons 31, 31A Imaging control unit 32 Radiation detection unit 33 Scanning drive unit 34 Reading unit 35 Storage unit 35 Storage unit 36 Communication unit 36a Antenna 36b Connector 37, 37A Imaging side timing unit 38 Battery 39, 39A Second imaging side timing unit 39B Memory 39D Second imaging side timing unit 4 Timing information source device 5 Network device 5 Other device 6 Biological measuring device 7 Bridge device R Radiation S Subject

Claims (10)

A radiation irradiation device for generating radiation; and
First timing means for timing in conjunction with the radiation irradiation device;
A radiation imaging apparatus for generating image data based on the received radiation;
Second timing means for timing in conjunction with the radiographic apparatus;
Obtaining means for obtaining the time value of the first time measuring means at a predetermined time point and the time value of the second time measuring means at the predetermined time point as first time information and second time information, respectively;
A determination unit that determines whether or not a specific condition is satisfied based on the first timing information and the second timing information acquired by the acquisition unit;
An radiation imaging system comprising: an output unit configured to perform a specific output when the determination unit determines that the specific condition is satisfied.   In accordance with the specific output, a correction means is provided for performing a correction process for bringing the time value of at least one of the first time measuring means and the second time measuring means closer to the time value of the other time measuring means. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1.   The correction means corrects the time value of one time measuring means of the first time measuring means and the second time measuring means close to the time value of the other time measuring means before the radiation irradiating apparatus generates radiation. The radiation imaging system according to claim 2, wherein processing is performed.   4. The output unit according to claim 3, wherein the output unit performs the specific output when the determination unit determines that the specific condition is satisfied in an imaging period after the correction unit performs the correction process. The radiation imaging system described in 1.   5. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the specific condition is satisfied when a difference between the first time information and the second time information exceeds a specific value. The radiation imaging system according to one item. The acquisition means is adapted to acquire a plurality of the first timekeeping information and the second timekeeping information at a plurality of predetermined time points in a specific period,
The determination means includes
Calculating the difference between the first timekeeping information and the second timekeeping information obtained by the obtaining means,
The radiographic system according to claim 1, wherein the specific condition is determined to be satisfied when an average value of a plurality of calculated differences exceeds a specific value. The acquisition means is adapted to acquire a plurality of the first timekeeping information and the second timekeeping information at a plurality of predetermined time points in a specific period,
The determination means includes
Each time the acquisition means acquires the first time information and the second time information, the difference between the first time information and the second time information is calculated,
Calculate the amount of change between the calculated difference and the previously calculated difference,
The radiographic imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the specific condition is determined to be satisfied when the calculated change amount exceeds the previously calculated change amount.   In accordance with the specific output, the time information of the other time measuring means is made closer to the time information of the one time measuring means on the basis of one of the first time measuring means and the second time measuring means. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising a correction unit that corrects a fixed ratio or a fixed amount.   According to the specific output, based on one of the first time measuring means and the second time measuring means, the time information of the other time measuring means is corrected so as to approach the time information of one time measuring means. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising a correcting unit.   7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a stopping unit that stops at least one of generation of radiation by the radiation irradiation apparatus and generation of image data by the radiation imaging apparatus according to the specific output. The radiation imaging system according to any one of the above.

Images